[SINGAPORE] Mobile network operator Circles.Life has raised concerns over the proposed deal between M1 and Australian-backed Simba Telecom, warning that consumers could suffer without proper regulatory safeguards.

In a formal submission to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Circles.Life said the merged entity would control 77 per cent of the wholesale market and have a postpaid retail market share exceeding 38 per cent.

“The need to retain competition for consumers is a central focus of this regulatory process,” it argued.

On Aug 11, Keppel said it would sell the telco business of its subsidiary M1 to Simba for S$1.43 billion, in what is set to be Singapore’s first telco consolidation.

IMDA launched a public consultation on the proposed transaction in October, which concluded on Friday (Nov 7).

Circles.Life said its submission “draws on years of operational experience under Singapore’s mobile virtual network operator wholesale access framework”.