Vodafone and Three to share infrastructure in Ireland

Telecoms giant Vodafone has announced that it is teaming up with mobile phone network group Three to share their physical network and site infrastructure in Ireland.

Both Vodafone Ireland and Three Ireland will continue to run the network separately, but a JV - 50% owned by each firm - has been set up to manage, operate and maintain the network. The companies will also have the ability to purchase network infrastructure equipment together to reduce costs, increase the number of sites connected to a fibre backhaul network and the opportunity to expand mobile network coverage for customers.

Jeroen Hoencamp, the Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ireland, said: "Securing future investment for technologies in a competitive market is critical to maintaining a sustainable business. We believe this partnership will place both companies in a stronger position to commit to future investment in our network, and the products and services we provide to customers.

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"This agreement, in which infrastructure is shared between both parties, means we can concentrate investment on the intelligent part of the network that will ultimately deliver a better experience for Vodafone customers."

Vodafone also announced on June 7th that it would create a 50/50 JV with Spanish peer Telefoncia to create one national grid in the UK by pooling together parts of their network infrastructure, including towers and masts.

BC