[NicolasB]

See, for example: BBC News - Orange and T-Mobile cleared for mobile merger by EU

[Spiderkid]

Interesting news. Do you think this is likely to benefit T-mobile
Or Orange customers more in terms of coverage? Also will they keep their distinct branding?

[prking]

Originally Posted by Spiderkid

Interesting news. Do you think this is likely to benefit T-mobile
Or Orange customers more in terms of coverage? Also will they keep their distinct branding?

The first part yes. Orange have now signed a network share deal with Three (who already have one with T-Mobile). Combined with power increases expected soon. This would (eventually) give wider coverage. However it isn't clear what will happen with the network backbones.
On the second question. Its too soon to say what will happen. Internally, the merged company is referred to as VentureCo, but that is certainly not the final name. For the next couple of years its likely the two companies will retain seperate brands.
As this is really a takeover of T-Mobile UK; in all but name; I think it very likely that the name Orange will be part of the new branding.

[bigdavecox90]

Hoping this goes ahead.

T-Mobile have some brilliant pay monthly deals, however the reception is very poor in my area.