ComCom to test 2degrees-One NZ Ran joint venture

In this edition What might network sharing do for competition? Rocket Lab gets investor green light for Iridium deal 40 years of Tuanz Regulator examines shared network dealThe Commerce Commission says it will only give clearance to the proposed radio access network joint venture between 2degrees and One NZ if it passes a series of tests showing it will not ‘substantially lessen competition’.2degrees and One NZ plan to combine their existing radio access network (Ran) assets in a new joint venture, Ranco. The new company would own and operate the Ran assets currently owned separately by the two mobile operators.In its statement of preliminary issues, the Commission identifies three broad potential competition effects: unilateral effects, coordinated effects and vertical or conglomerate effects.Of these, the question of unilateral effects is given the most consideration. This asks whether the proposed Ranco would be in a position to raise prices or reduce competition on its own.Ranco…