A merger of two global satellite giants has been given the green light by the competitions watchdog after an in-depth probe into the multibillion-pound deal.
The £5.4 billion takeover of UK firm Inmarsat by US firm Viasat is not expected to limit competition in the satellite sector, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concluded.
An investigation into the deal was launched in October amid concerns that it could lead to airlines facing higher prices for wifi on board.
Both companies supply businesses around the world with satellite connectivity that means services like the internet, email, and video calling can run – including on an aircraft.
The CMA said it gathered evidence which found the satellite communications sector is expanding rapidly, due to heightened demand for connectivity amid the ever-growing use of the internet by businesses and consumers.
New players providing connectivity for wifi on flights have been entering the field, including Starlink, operated by…