Telefónica and T-Mobile extend network sharing in Czech Republic

Czech operators Telefónica Czech Republic and T-Mobile Czech Republic have signed an agreement to share their 2G and 3G networks and technologies.

The first tests of the network sharing in artificial conditions will take place next week, the operators said in a  joint statement. The main goal of the tests is to confirm the proposed technological solution.

The two will begin commercially sharing their networks in the first half of 2014 which will eventually extend to covering the whole of the Czech Republic, excluding the cities of 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,” commented 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.”

Milan Vašina, the CEO of T-Mobile Czech Republic, added: “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.”

The deal builds upon the firms’ existing 3G network sharing scheme; 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 based on the results of the tests. This deal has no relevance to any new technologies or future spectrum allocations, the firms added.