The Czech units of Telefonica and T-Mobile are in talks about consolidating their 2G and 3G networks.
The companies said in a joint statement that the planned deal will build upon their existing 3G network sharing scheme, implemented in 2011 and 2012,…
The Czech units of Telefonica and T-Mobile are in talks about consolidating their 2G and 3G networks.
The companies said in a joint statement that the planned deal will build upon their existing 3G network sharing scheme, implemented in 2011 and 2012, which boosted their rollout of 3G services in smaller towns.
The agreement would combine their 2G and 3G networks nationwide, which they believe will “bring significant benefits for customers and efficiencies for both partners”.
The companies aim to close the deal by the end of the year and begin implementation in 2014.
Milan Vasina, CEO of Deutsche Telekom-controlled T-Mobile CR, said the new arrangement will see the companies divide the country into two geographical regions, each served by one of the operators.
Meanwhile, Telefonica CR CEO Luis Malvido noted that the existing network sharing scheme has enabled the companies to improve service and expand their geographical footprints.
T-Mobile CR and Telefonica CR, operating under the O2 brand name, are the Czech Republic’s number one and number two operators respectively, followed by Vodafone CR and Air Telecom’s U:fon.
Telefonica CR confirmed earlier this month that it was exploring “multiple options” for network sharing. At the time, a company spokesperson declined to comment on a local report claiming it was close to striking a network-sharing deal with Vodafone.
