3G network-sharing agreement signed by French mobile operators

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: An agreement has been signed between three established mobile phone operators of France to share third-generation mobile network installations in order to extend 3G network coverage across the country.

Principles on how to share 3G mobile network deployments has been laid down in the framework agreement signed by France Telecom’s Orange, Vivendi SA’s SFR and Bouygues’ Bouygues Telecom on February 11.

According to French telecoms regulator Arcep, the agreement will help speed up the extension of the 3G network in France and will enable full nationwide coverage by the end of 2013. Terms for the inclusion of Iliad’s Free Mobile in the agreement will also be discussed by the three operators before May 31, 2010.