MEX

The European Commission has reached a preliminary decision on the future of 3G network sharing, bringing good news for two international mobile operators. The UK-based O2 group and Germany’s T-Mobile proposed a scheme some time ago which would see the pair sharing some of their UMTS network infrastructure in the UK and Germany, where both companies have bought 3G licences.

EC Competition Commissioner, Mario Monti, commented: “The examination of the network sharing agreements between T-Mobile and O2, the only two so far to have been filed for regulatory clearance, have led the Commission to believe that, provided that the appropriate safeguards are in place, such co-operation deals can bring benefits for the consumer in terms of a faster introduction of new services, more competition and a lesser impact to the environment.” The EC will not give its final decision until it has studied the views of all other parties involved.