Prague, 9 September 2014 – T-Mobile and O2 have started sharing their existing 2G and 3G access networks in parts of the Hradec Králové and Pardubice districts. Within this network sharing project, the operators will optimise their 2G and 3G networks, switch them to sharing mode and then start fine-tuning them to achieve the best possible signal in the consolidated areas. Both operators will continue using their own network infrastructure and will follow completely independent business strategies.
The entire process has begun with consolidation of the 3G networks in parts of both districts. The start of 2G network consolidation is scheduled for the end of September. After the networks have been fine-tuned, the consolidation will extend to the whole territory of the Hradec Králové and Pardubice districts. The consolidation is to advance in stages and its completion (including fine-tuning) is expected in November.
Network consolidation should improve the overall quality of the signal for mobile voice and data services of both operators also in some areas where coverage has not been ideal so far.
The districts where network sharing began were not selected by chance – although they are neighbouring districts, they are located in the territory managed by a different operator (the Hradec Králové district is situated in the western part of the Czech Republic and thus under T-Mobile’s management, while the Pardubice district lies in the eastern part managed by O2).
T-Mobile and O2 signed the network-sharing agreement concerning their existing second-generation and third-generation mobile networks at the end of October 2013. The objective of their cooperation is to ensure optimum coverage of the Czech Republic with the 2G and 3G networks, as well as to achieve greater efficiency in the operation of the mobile networks and savings that can be used for further development of these technologies. Network sharing will help to significantly improve the quality of mobile services.