Telefonica O2 Ireland and eircom Group have said they want to provide the “best mobile network infrastructure” in Ireland, as a result of an agreement to share elements of their mobile networks.
The two operators have said they will co-operate in areas including site equipment, power supply, technology and transmission sharing. That means that wherever possible, the existing sites of both operators will be consolidated. Where new sites are to be built, they will be built jointly and staff from the networks teams of both operators will work together in a single team to manage the day-to-day build and operation of the distinct networks.
eircom Group, CEO Paul Donovan said, “The current economic realities require all operators to think creatively on how to operate more efficiently. This new collaboration between two of the largest operators in the Irish market demonstrates how working together we can deliver tangible benefits for customers. ”
Stephen Shurrock, CEO of Telefonica O2 Ireland, said, “Today’s announcement will enable us to not only deliver new and enhanced services, including faster broadband speeds, but also to do it in a much more efficient way, providing the best mobile infrastructure for the customer and the economy alike. There is a strong strategic requirement for greater collaboration and focus in the area of investment in helping to accelerate the introduction of new technologies and O2 is delighted to be at the forefront of this development”.