T-Mobile and O2 have started negotiations regarding the sharing of their LTE mobile networks. The goal of the potential cooperation is faster LTE rollout and better coverage, exceeding the regulatory requirements for 4G set forth by the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTO). A shared network would bring better service to more customers and make network maintenance easier. If a deal is reached, the carriers intend to begin sharing their networks by the end of 2014.
The networks would be shared on the whole territory of the Czech Republic, with the exception of Prague and Brno. While T-Mobile would become responsible for managing and maintaining the network in the west of the country, O2 would run the eastern part.
„Above all, this project would allow for a faster roll-out of fast mobile broadband in the entire country,“ says Milan Vašina, CEO of T-Mobile Czech Republic. „The efficiencies that we would achieve will allow for further investments into our infrastructure and services,“ he adds.
„We will bring LTE coverage to both urban as well as rural areas of the country. LTE sharing is becoming a trend in Europe, as shown by successful cases from Great Britain, Sweden, or France,“ says Luis Malvido, CEO of O2 Czech Republic. „We believe that fast development of 4G networks will benefit the Czech Republic as a whole,“ adds Malvido.
Notwithstanding the result of the negotiations, both carriers will meet all the regulatory requirements of the CTO regarding 4G development. Just like in other countries, the carriers will keep their network infrastructure separated and will operate using their own business strategies and offering their own products.