The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally approved the $7.3 billion merger of US and UK satellite companies, Viasat and Inmarsat. The CMA said the merger does not significantly reduce competition in the industry, particularly for services offered on flights taken by UK customers. The decision was based on the surge in demand for satellite connectivity, largely driven by increasing internet use by businesses and consumers. The emergence of new players in the sector minimizes any threats to competition posed by the merger, the CMA believes. Richard Feasey, chair of the independent inquiry group overseeing the investigation, said the sector is evolving and rapidly expanding.