Vodafone and O2 to share networks

[Kryten]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7959133.stm

Great news for extra coverage, expecially if 3G coverage is included. I now Voda already share with Orange, but sharing with O2 who also have a massive network is a good thing (especially for us O2 subscribers).

It obviously makes sense from a business point of view for them both too, they can save masses of money not having to put in new transmitters etc, and increase coverage statistics at the same time, but still remain rivals in terms of actually selling the goods.

So a big :thumbs: from me for this.

[Evil Badoshix]

t-mobile & 3 have a similar agreement - I think this move was necessary to stay competitive. I remember reading about the Voda & Orange deal - but they struggled to agree on the details. Kinda leaves Orange stuck out in the cold now.

[DJBenson]

So will this mean that Vodafone actually uses three lots of carriers (it's own, Orange and o2) to carry its network, and o2 will get access to Vodafone's network? If so AND if 3G is also included, it can only be good news for both set's of customers (me being with o2).

For all networks to share the entire infrastructure would be the best solution, then the networks could compete on price grounds alone, much in the same way the gas and electricity suppliers do, using one infrastructure. Will probably never happen though - but this is a step closer.

t-mobile & 3 have a similar agreement...

Ooh, when did this happen? I thought Three used o2 as it's backup network, before that I think it was Orange.

EDIT: I see this happened in 2007 but mentions sharing of the "3G" network - does that mean they no longer use o2 as their 2G backup network or are Three/T-Mobile/o2 also tied up in a contract?

[JonnyO]

However, read this article for a more cynical view on the reasons for this:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/03/13/vodafone_o2_sharing/

[cervaro]

I'm hoping this means that coverage with O2 will improve in the village where my house is with the use of Vodafones network too, as O2 coverage there is abysmal, along with T-Mobile/Virgin Mobile.

[ArthurDent]

Ooh, when did this happen? I thought Three used o2 as it's backup network, before that I think it was Orange.

EDIT: I see this happened in 2007 but mentions sharing of the "3G" network - does that mean they no longer use o2 as their 2G backup network or are Three/T-Mobile/o2 also tied up in a contract?

Still hasn't happened yet. :(

Supposed to be complete by the end 2009, but I'm not holding my breath.

[steven07968]

Hope this is true! As the area where I work, my O2 3G reception is shocking, whereas the Vodafone 3G reception seems to be decent enough.

So fingers crossed :D

Any idea of timescale involved should this be given the green light? As I'd love to switch the 3G on on my iPhone :D