Telefónica and T-Mobile Signed an Agreement to Share 2G and 3G Networks

Telefónica Czech Republic and T-Mobile Czech Republic have signed an agreement regarding the sharing of their current 2G and 3G mobile networks. The purpose of the cooperation is to achieve optimum coverage of the Czech Republic with 2G and 3G networks and significant efficiencies in the operation of both operators’ mobile networks. The planned network sharing will help significantly improve the quality of mobile services. The deal is the result of negotiations that begun this year in August.

Moving forward to meet the technological challenges of the project, the first tests in artificial conditions will take place already next week. The main goal of these tests is to confirm the proposed technological solution. After all the necessary processes have been fine-tuned during the tests, commercial sharing of the 2G and 3G networks will begin in the first half of 2014 and later advancing to the Czech Republic as a whole (excluding Prague and Brno).

"The developments in the telco sector in Europe show us that network sharing is the future of the entire industry. We are glad to be at the forefront of this development," Says Luis Malvido, CEO of Telefónica Czech Republic. "The deal we reached with T-Mobile means better coverage of both voice and data services, from which the customers of both parties will benefit," adds Malvido.

"We are glad that we managed to reach this important deal. Network sharing is in our view an important strategic step," says Milan Vašina, the CEO of T-Mobile Czech Republic. "Our services will be available to more customers and our operations will be more effective. On top of that, we will achieve a positive impact on the environment," adds Vašina.

The deal builds upon the very successful 3G network sharing scheme, which both companies already implemented in 2011-2012. This sharing scheme, which was the first functional project of its kind in Europe, helped accelerate 3G deployment in smaller towns. Currently, Telefónica and T-Mobile share almost 1,000 3G sites. The final number of shared sites based on the new agreement will be finalised depending on the results of the tests. This deal has no relevance to any new technologies or future frequency allocations.

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T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.