EC expected to approve merger between Orange and T-Mobile

Britain's largest mobile phone operator is to be created this week as the proposed merger of Orange and T-Mobile is expected to win approval from European regulators, it was reported today.

The European Commission is predicted to fast-track the deal after both firms agreed to a number of concessions designed to assuage concerns of competition and industry watchdogs in the UK, according to reports in the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Times.