A PYMNTS Company

Ireland: O2 buyout may be to blame for 3 Ireland service delay

By  |  December 9, 2013

Wireless operator 3 Ireland did not offer an explanation for its decision to delay the rollout of 4G service until next year, though reports say the buyout bid for rival O2 Ireland could be to blame.

While 3 Ireland originally planned to start 4G services before Christmas, the company says it will now wait until January 2014. Reports speculate that the delay could be due to the company’s parent firm Hutchinson Whampoa; the Hong-Kong based company is awaiting antitrust approval for its buyout of O2 Ireland, currently owned by Spain’s Telefonica.

Hutchinson’s acquisition could top $1.2 billion.

3 Ireland said it is planning to have users with 4G compatible products download a software update that will launch the spectrum service, offering up to 10 times faster wireless speed for those users.

Full Content: Telegeography

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.