Sky/Vodafone merger decision delayed until late February

A decision on the proposed muilti-billion dollar merger of Sky Television and Vodafone has been delayed for two months.

The companies have agreed with the Commerce Commission that the deadline for a decision should be delayed until 23 February for more study.

A decision has already been delayed once, from mid-November to late December.

The merger would see the Vodafone take a 51 percent stake in a merged company that would combine mobile and fixed line phone services, internet, pay television, and video streaming.

The Commerce Commission had previously asked for more information on issues such as Sky's dominance of televised sport and possible favouritism for Vodafone.

A large number of rival internet, media and broadcasting companies have objected to the merger because it would give the combined company too much market power.