Mobile operator to assist rivals

Hutchison Whampoa has offered to give network access to several virtual network operators in a bid to win EU approval to buy Telefonica’s Irish unit, according to sources.

Hutchison promised to let several mobile virtual network operators to piggyback on its network to commence rival services, said the sources. Concessions by billionaire Li Ka-Shing’s Hutchison are designed to overcome EU objections to the combination of two of Ireland’s four mobile operators.

Telefonica’s separate plan to merge its German unit with Royal KPN’s E-Plus is another tie-up that is testing how far regulators are willing to allow consolidation in the industry.