Voda, Orange step up site sharing initiative
19 February 2008
Voda, Orange step up site sharing initiative
UK operators Orange and Vodafone revealed the next steps in the network sharing partnership announced this time last year.
The first stage of implementation will see Orange UK and Vodafone UK share existing 2G and 3G mast sites, with one site housing the equipment of both companies.
The two will not actually share any infrastructure, even though the original deal was to share their 3G Radio Access Networks (RANs).
As well as improving the quality of coverage across the country, the two companies will also have a smaller environmental footprint due to the fewer number of mast sites needed, the operators said.
It is expected that the initiative will lead to a 15 per cent reduction in the number of mast sites - almost 3,000 sites in total - in the first two years alone.
Orange and Vodafone will continue to maintain separate networks, will retain full responsibility for the quality of service they offer their respective customers and will remain competitors in the UK mobile wholesale and retail markets.
To comment on any articles, please contact us at chatback@telecoms.com or have your say on our blog.
Bookmark this page
