Telecom operators across Europe have been using Huawei gear because they were cheaper than rivals and works as good, making it difficult for companies to choose costlier options.

Telecoms industry officials say they fear a severe winter will put Europe's telecoms infrastructure to the test, forcing companies and governments to try to mitigate the impact.

Excluding savings to be made through the merger, the new company is estimated to have a market capitalisation of close to RM50 billion.