Sky and Vodafone consider partnering to end BT dominance

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It'll have to fight them off

Telecommunications giants BSkyB and Vodafone are considering partnering in an effort to fight BT for dominance in the TV and broadband sectors.

The companies have allegedly held high-level secret talks aimed at tackling their biggest rival, although they are not so secret now that The Sunday Times revealed the discussions, citing "senior sources" at the firms.

Battle of the titans

BT formerly enjoyed a monopoly in the telecommunications sector, but lost market search as new technologies were released. It has managed a dramatic turnaround over the last year or so, however, giving its competitors a run for their money.

Perhaps the best example of BT's shifting fortunes is the £897 million deal it reached in November to broadcast exclusive live football matches from both the Champions League and Europa League for three years starting in 2015. The move resulted in BSkyB losing a whopping £1.5 billion of its share value.

At the time a spokesperson for BT said it had "shaken up" the TV market in the UK, and it is now clear that this was no exaggeration. BSkyB and Vodafone are not giving up without a fight, however, and it looks like they are ready to team up for round two in the ring.

Via: The Register