T-Mobile UK, 3 fuse 3G networks

3 UK and T-Mobile (UK) have signed an agreement to combine their 3G access networks that will bring 3G services across Britain by the end of 2008 with significant fill in and improvement to dense urban in-building coverage in 2009. With the combination of their 3G access networks, the two companies will create Europe's most extensive HSDPA network.

The shared network is scheduled to be completed in just over two years. The combined 3G access network will share physical assets and offer greater capacity than the two operators' existing independent 3G networks.

A 50:50 joint venture company called Mobile Broadband Network Limited has been set up, which will supervise the creation and operation of the joint network on behalf of both companies. In addition, plans also call to decommission over 5,000 duplicate sites from both parties' combined existing cell site portfolio.

The joint venture contract will be valid until the end of 2031.