But a growing number of people think the phone companies are perhaps the only effective competitors available.

But analysts said the company that emerged from the takeover would be a far more effective competitor than its predecessors.

And maybe, some say, it will give it an impetus toward becoming a more effective global competitor.

"A merger would make us a much more effective competitor with the two giants."

Instead the newly merged giant would simply become a more effective global competitor.

But on individual routes - where it matters - the average number of effective competitors has increased since 1978.

They are, for some, an effective competitor to mutual funds.

This has made Hyco a very effective competitor in the global hydraulic cylinder market.

After all, if being 'high' makes them less effective competitors then that will show on their competition stats, surely?

But for that company to be an effective competitor it would need to pursue efficiencies under a management dedicated to making money and improving service.