14 September 2007
T-Mobile is considering teaming up with rival mobile provider 3 to pool its network infrastructure, it has been reported. A report in the Financial Times suggest that the UK's fourth-biggest mobile operator could be in line to share networks with 3 in a money saving drive.
If successful, it has also been mooted that this could pave the way for a buy out of 3 by T-Mobile.
Although both sides declined to comment, James Barford, analyst at Enders Analysis, told the newspaper: "This deal, if concluded, would leave T-Mobile as the most obvious potential buyer of 3."
It is hoped that network sharing would allow T-Mobile, whose 3G network covers 85% of the population, and 3, whose third generation mobile technology cover 90% of the UK, to increase their geographical reach.
In February 2007 Vodafone and Orange announced plans to share network infrastructure including sites, masts and the base stations that transmit and receive phone calls.
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