BT deal with Vodafone to 'open up Irish telecoms market'

BT and Vodafone have today agreed a strategic partnership which could lead to a more competitive telecoms network in Ireland.

Subject to approval from the Irish Competition Authority, the deal will see more than 84,000 consumers and 3,000 small businesses currently with BT transferring to Vodafone over the next several months.

BT will also provide wholesale network services to underpin Vodafone’s business over a seven-year period.

BT said that it will continue to focus on providing networked IT services to mid and large-sized businesses and the public sector in Ireland.

The firm will also be committing “significant investment” towards providing a platform for the delivery of up to 24Mbps broadband services to approximately two thirds of Ireland’s available broadband lines by unbundling up to 58 additional exchanges.

Vodafone says the agreement will see it become the second-largest fixed-line operator in Ireland, with more than 170,000 customers and a 15% share of the fixed-line broadband market.

Chris Clark, CEO, BT Ireland said: “This is a very positive chapter in Ireland’s telecoms history and will open up the market to greater competition and choice.

“BT has made remarkable strides in Ireland in recent years in securing landmark managed services deals with corporate customers, the public sector and other communications providers.

“We will aggressively focus on growing our impressive share of these market segments, while investing in the network access that customers and Ireland Inc. need to compete effectively.”

Charles Butterworth, CEO, Vodafone Ireland said: “Today’s announcement will give Vodafone the ability to launch an exciting and innovative roadmap of fixed products and services that are strongly differentiated from those available in the market today, giving customers more choice and better value.

“This deal strongly positions Vodafone as the no 2 player in the fixed broadband market. Our strategy is to compete aggressively in the fixed market to deliver real value, bring best-in-class products to market and build a sizeable fixed base to rival other participants in this market.

“We guarantee that BT customers who are transferring to Vodafone will be better off as a result of this agreement.”