Eircom and O2 announce strategic network partnership

O2 Ireland and Eircom today announced a major new strategic partnership to create the first comprehensive mobile network sharing arrangement in Ireland.

The agreement aims to provide the best mobile network infrastructure in the country.

The agreement brings greater co-operation in a number of areas of mobile network sharing such as site equipment, power supply, technology and transmission sharing.

Wherever possible, existing sites of both operators will be consolidated and new sites will be jointly built. A dedicated team, made up of existing network staff from both organisations, will be established to manage the day-to-day build and operation of the distinct networks.

While O2 and eircom will work closely together, there is no transfer of assets and spectrum will not be shared under the new arrangement. All mobile operations supported by O2 (O2 and Tesco Mobile) and eircom Group (Meteor and eMobile) will continue to compete with each other.