The network services contract supersedes the original contracts that BT had in place with both T-Mobile and 3 UK. T-Mobile and 3 UK formed their infrastructure sharing agreement in January 2008. The network consolidation agreement is expected to increase both operators’ 3G network quality and coverage, accelerating the provision of new high-speed mobile broadband services and deliver substantial cost savings as well as environmental benefits.
BT’s next-generation ethernet service is currently being rolled out to the national footprint in the UK market. The service is expected to deliver improved access and backhaul service delivery to Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL). It is the latest new service to launch on BT’s 21CN global platform, which extends to 170 countries worldwide, said T-Mobile. The migration of the common backhaul network to ethernet technology will follow BT’s roll-out program.
Emin Gurdenli, technology director at T-Mobile UK, said: This agreement with BT will make sure backhaul is not a constraint now or in the future at a time when T-Mobile is experiencing strong growth in mobile broadband and other mobile data services. It will help ensure we continue to deliver a superior mobile broadband experience to our customers.
Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) is a joint venture company split 50-50 between T-Mobile and 3 UK. The network consolidation agreement that formed the company was signed on December 18 2007. MBNL manages and delivers the combined 3G access networks of the two companies.
