O2 Ireland seeks 3G partner

O2 Ireland, the country's number two mobile operator has announced that it is following in the footsteps of its parent, mmO2 and seeking a partner to share the burden of building its 3G infrastructure here.

O2 holds one of the 2 'B' licenses issued here.

Hutchinson Whampoa, the Honk Kong conglomerate owns the only 'A' license while Vodafone is yet to decide if it will accept the only other 'B' license on offer.

O2's announcement follows a similar deal between parent company, mmO2 and German company, T-Mobile, a deal awaiting approval by the European Commission.

Such a deal will help pave the way for new collaborations between mobile operators and help reduce the already mounting risk associated with the service.

So far, news concerning 3G services in Europe have been negative, with several delays in roll out having been announced and some operators completely giving up the service.