Removing a disruptive player from a four-operator market could increase prices by as much as 20.5 per cent, according to a new study released by UK telecoms regulator Ofcom.

The new study examined mobile pricing across 25 countries from 2010 to 2015, and concluded that entrants with a mission to upset the marketplace, as well as a greater number of players, have a positive effect on competition and, hence, pricing.

The study argued four or more operators and a disruptor can reduce prices on average by between 17.2 per cent and 20.5 per cent.

“By implication, this may suggest that removing a disruptive player from a four player market (as is proposed in the H3G/O2 merger in the UK) could increase prices by between 17.2 per cent and 20.5 per cent,” it argued.

The study comes at a time when the European Commission is locked in negotiations with CK Hutchison over the 3 UK/O2 UK deal.

Ofcom chief Sharon White has previously expressed her concern over the merger proposal.