BT confirms it wants to buy O2 back from Telefonica

[rascal]

BT has confirmed that it is in talks with Telefonica, the owner of O2, to buy the mobile network.

In a statement to the stock exchange this morning, the company said all discussions are at a "highly preliminary stage", adding that it is "continuing" to develop plans for its own mobile networks.

BT span off O2 - then known as BT Cellnet - along with a number of its other businesses in 2002. In 2005, it was bought by Spanish operator Telefonica, for £17.7bn.

The company said it had "received expressions of interest from shareholders in two UK mobile network operators, of which one is O2, about a possible transaction in which bT would acquire their UK mobile business".

http://www.cityam.com/1416825647/bt-confirms-it-wants-buy-o2-back-telefonica

BT selling it in the first place is recognised as one of the worst strategic errors in UK corporate history lol

 

[Dithering Dougie]

Could be bad news for Giffgaff customers if this goes through.

 

[roydo]

Could be bad news for Giffgaff customers if this goes through.

Why? Honest Q btw!

 

[Bungle]

If they do buy them back then they need to bring this back as well. My first phone.

 

[Baines' left foot]

If they do buy them back then they need to bring this back as well. My first phone.

My first phone.

I remember it well with it's jarg Titanic ringtone.

 

[Basil Fawlty]

My first phone.

I remember it well with it's jarg Titanic ringtone.

That was my 1st phone as well. Think it was 40 quid at TJ Hughes or something which was cheap at the time

 

[Bungle]

My first phone.

I remember it well with it's jarg Titanic ringtone.

It was always a joy when you got a long text and had to scroll down for about 20 minutes to read it all

 

[Dithering Dougie]

Why? Honest Q btw!

Well BT aren't renowned for there generous and progressive business acumen and Giffgaff are tied into the O2 network, just wouldn't trust them to continue with current deal.

Just a instinct I've got having worked for them in the past, anyway I doubt Telefonica would be keen on selling.

 

[Baines' left foot]

That was my 1st phone as well. Think it was 40 quid at TJ Hughes or something which was cheap at the time

I remember buying mine in Currys for about £50 as well. The shop assistant was like "Yeah this is the one everyone has at the moment". I felt so grown up.

It was always a joy when you got a long text and had to scroll down for about 20 minutes to read it all

Texting was just a nightmare in general. You could only view 5 words at a time and typing a message took about an hour. It was easier to just phone the person!

 

[Deleted member 28206]

*is glad he left giffgaff

 

[Baines' left foot]

*is glad he left giffgaff

Would this really be bad for GiffGaff? I was considering getting a contract with them this week so wouldn't mind knowing!

 

[Dithering Dougie]

Would this really be bad for GiffGaff? I was considering getting a contract with them this week so wouldn't mind knowing!

You'd be fine for a bit, it's more a long term thing that would be the concern.

 

[Deleted member 28206]

@Baines' left foot I left cos the 3g was crap. Prices increase yearly. I am on Three for £15 a month for unlimited 4G now.

 

[Lids1978]

I was under the impression that Three mobile had bought O2 no?

 

[Baines' left foot]

@Baines' left foot I left cos the 3g was crap. Prices increase yearly. I am on Three for £15 a month for unlimited 4G now.

Ah right. I wish I could get nice cheap contract like that but my phone has died so need a new one.