Vodafone enters Chile via Entel partnership

The world’s largest mobile operator in terms of revenues, Vodafone, said Tuesday that it has forged a strategic alliance allowing it to introduce Vodafone-branded products and services in Chile.

Under an agreement with second placed Chilean operator, Entel PCS, Vodafone will introduce a range of push email devices, branded handsets and HSDPA USB modems.

The two companies will also work closely on information and best practice sharing in order to develop future offerings and customer services, as well as selected roaming agreements.

Richard Buchi, president of Entel said of the deal, “This alliance with Vodafone will enable Entel PCS and our customers to become part of a global network, whilst still maintaining the advantages of being a local operator.”

Entel is the strongest competitor to Chilean market leader Telefonica Moviles, which dominates the mobile space with 6.4 million subscribers at the end of March. Entel trails slightly with 5.8 million customers.