From bold strategic moves to unexpected partnerships, the biggest deals are reshaping industries, shifting market power and redefining what’s possible for telecoms globally.
Here’s a look at the five key transactions making the biggest impact this year:
SES completes $3.1bn acquisition of Intelsat: What it means for Starlink, Viasat & the industry
Earlier this year, SES completed its acquisition of Intelsat, creating a stronger global satellite operator with a combined fleet of 120 satellites across two orbits.
As a result, the new SES will utilise its experienced teams and expanded capabilities to deliver integrated satellite and connectivity services to businesses and governments globally.
Merger talks were first mentioned in 2024, when SES confirmed it was in advanced talks to acquire the satellite giant.
This initial announcement was made in response to media speculation and included limited details, as the deal had not yet been finalised. However, earlier this year, the formal announcement of the completed acquisition was made, subject to approval.
T-Mobile completes Lumos acquisition to power $950m US fibre expansion
T-Mobile completed its acquisition of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) provider Lumos, forming a joint venture set to bring full-fibre broadband to homes across the US.
The deal, announced last April, sees T-Mobile inject $950 million into the joint venture, with a further $500 million planned between 2027 and 2028 to support further expansion.
Lumos will now pivot to becoming a wholesale fibre provider, with T-Mobile as its anchor tenant. The telco giant, meanwhile, will take ownership of the customer experience side of the business.
VodafoneThree merger marks historic shift in UK mobile – but challenges ‘start now’
One of biggest mergers in the industry included Vodafone and CK Hutchison having officially completed the merger of Vodafone UK and Three UK, forming a new mobile giant named VodafoneThree.
The new company is 51% owned by Vodafone and 49% by CK Hutchison Group Telecom Holdings Limited, with Vodafone fully consolidating the business in its financial results.
BT considers bid for TalkTalk
In June, telecoms giant BT was reportedly in the early stages of evaluating a potential takeover of TalkTalk and its 3.2 million customers.
At the time, reports claimed should the acquisition proceed, the merged entity would control roughly 36% of the market, strengthening BT’s Plusnet brand, which competes directly with TalkTalk.
Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has also previously considered a move to acquire TalkTalk, aiming to expand its wholesale broadband operations.
Orange acquires full ownership of MasOrange in €4.25bn deal
Recently, Orange reached a non-binding agreement with Lorca to acquire the remaining 50% stake in MasOrange, its Spanish joint venture, for €4.25 billion in cash.
As a result, the move will give Orange full ownership of the brand further consolidating its presence in Spain, the company’s second-largest market in Europe.
According to the company, the move is seen as a key step in advancing Orange’s “Lead the Future” strategic plan, which aims to strengthen its market position and drive long-term growth.
Metro Connect USA 2026
Welcome to Metro Connect USA, the largest event for digital infrastructure leaders in the United States. You are invited to join over 3,500 attendees from every sector of the US digital infrastructure market. From fiber optics to data centers, the event serves as a pivotal gathering for forging partnerships, securing funding, gaining insights into industry advancements, and getting deals done.
