The Competition and Markets Authority said on Monday it has delivered its report on BT’s completed acquisition of TalkTalk Telecommunications and PlatformX Communications to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, meeting the 5pm deadline set under the public interest intervention notice issued on October 5. The report covers whether the deal created a relevant merger situation, whether it has resulted or may result in a substantial lessening of competition, and advice relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision, including representations on the public interest grounds of critical national infrastructure, disruption to public services and supply to vulnerable customers. The Secretary of State now decides whether to refer the completed acquisition to a Phase 2 assessment.
CMA delivers BT TalkTalk report to Secretary of State
The Competition and Markets Authority delivered its Phase 1 report on BT's completed acquisition of TalkTalk and PlatformX to the Secretary of State on Monday, ahead of the 5pm deadline.
Why it matters: The Secretary of State now decides whether the completed deal goes to a Phase 2 inquiry, the first test of the proposed new public interest ground covering critical national infrastructure and supply to vulnerable customers.
Data as of CMA case page on GOV.UK, updated October 19, 2026 and read directly: the timeline records 'CMA report delivered to Secretary of State' on October 19. The report's contents and recommendation have not been published; the referral decision rests with the Secretary of State. Developing item.
Sources
- BT / TalkTalk merger inquiry · UK Competition and Markets Authority · 2026-10-19