Vodafone and O2 to share mobile infrastructure

In a effort to increase overall customer satisfaction, Vodafone UK and O2 have entered an agreement where they will share and combine their respective networks. This includes their current 2G, 3G and forthcoming LTE 4G networks and they hope to offer coverage to 98% of the UK population by 2015.

O2 and Vodafone are currently the second and third largest carriers in the UK and this agreement will help both of them in rolling out their LTE 4G network. This network could reach 98% of the population up to two years before the regulatory requirement is expected to take effect in 2017.

The two will remain competitors in terms of pricing and customer bases but there will be a fifty-fifty split in regards to network upgrades and maintenance; Vodafone will cover the west and O2 will maintain the eastern region.

What this means for consumers at the end of the day is increased signal strength and a faster LTE 4G network roll out. All things going well this agreement will move into action later this year.

KitGuru says:  Two carriers have partaken in a similar agreement in my home country and for the most part it has worked out well.

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