UK mobile operators 3 and T-Mobile have agreed to combine their 3G access networks in order to extend coverage and reduce costs. The deal is expected to give the two operators almost complete coverage of the Great Britain population by the end of 2008 as well as improved urban in-building coverage in 2009. The agreement centres on sharing mobile masts and infrastructure connecting to each operator’s core network. The core networks and T-Mobile’s 2G network will remain separate, and each operator will continue to handle their own customer services and spectrum. The shared network is scheduled to be completed in just over two years and will be managed by a 50-50 joint venture company called Mobile Broadband Network Limited. The agreement will lead to the decommissioning of over 5,000 duplicate sites from both parties’ combined existing cell site portfolio. Together with the lower future capital expenditure requirement, the combined savings are estimated at GBP 2 billion over 10 years. The joint venture contract runs until the end of 2031.
Wireless Federation » T-Mobile, 3 agree 3G network sharing in UK (UK)
T-Mobile, 3 agree 3G network sharing in UK (UK)
- December 20th, 2007
- 9:05 am
