Esat BT wins €100m deal with '3'

Esat BT has announced a deal worth over €100m with '3' to build and operate its 3G radio access network, in Ireland.

In Ireland, '3' is the new brand name for Hutchison Whampoa's 3G operations. The group currently holds 3G licences in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Britain.

Chief executive officer of Esat BT, Bill Murphy, said, "Our dynamic approach and skilled resource base enabled us to win the confidence of Hutchison. Being involved in the 3G arena is a particularly exciting opportunity, putting us at the core of its growth in Ireland".