Technology group Allied Technologies (Altech) has been granted leave to intervene and participate in the merger proceedings between MTN and Verizon South Africa, the Competition Tribunal announced on Monday.

This follows a tribunal hearing on Friday, during which Altech's legal representatives said the group wanted to help the tribunal in its "truth-seeking function".

In October, the group filed an application for intervention with the tribunal, after the Competition Commission had approved the merger between the two telecommunications firms.

The tribunal said that Altech would be allowed to attend all prehearing conferences, cite evidence, present arguments, as well as cross-examine witnesses.

Further, Altech could request the tribunal to direct, summon or order any person to appear at the hearing, or to produce any book, document or item for the purposes of the hearing.

In addition, it could secure discovery from the merging parties, the Competition Commission and any other intervening party, while also being allowed to inspect any books, documents and other items filed by the parties in the merger proceedings.

The hearings have been scheduled for January 8 to January 14 next year.

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