Telefónica O2 and T-Mobile enter into agreement on sharing the 3G network

Telefónica O2 Czech Republic and T-Mobile Czech Republic signed an agreement on sharing the 3G network today. The agreement concerns currently unserved areas and will bring high-speed mobile data to more locations. The joint project will accelerate construction of the network and significantly expand the 3G coverage of both operators. The pilot commercial operation will be launched in the second quarter of the year.

“The future of communications will be built on smart devices, with smart applications delivered with the high speed data mobile network service. Thanks to our cooperation, we will bring fast mobile internet access to customers in many more cities. This approach will allow us to be able to make the major investment needed to ensure that consumers can get the most benefits that technology will create over the coming years,” said Luis Malvido, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Telefónica O2 Czech Republic.

“We cannot imagine the present or the future without fast mobile data. Thanks to this strategic agreement, we will be able to offer 3G services to a much larger number of customers than originally planned,” said Milan Vašina, Managing Director of T-Mobile, upon signing the agreement.

By entering into the agreement, the operators have started a six-year period of cooperation which will bring benefits to customers. Sharing of networks in hitherto unserved locations will enable the operators to offer 3G services to customers outside of heavily populated areas. In total, the shared infrastructure will comprise nearly 1,000 transmitters, with each operator committed to constructing 490 of them. The network capacity plan will take into account the necessity of securing sufficient quality of services and transmission speeds so that the standard of provided services is not affected.

Two cities, Dobříš and Humpolec, are currently undergoing commercial testing. If the results turn out to be positive, pilot commercial operation will be launched in the second quarter of this year. O2 will be in charge of construction in eastern part of the Czech Republic, while T-Mobile will cover western areas of the country. Both operators will report on the first shared locations together and in a timely manner.

About Telefónica O2 Czech Republic
Telefónica O2 Czech Republic is a major integrated operator in the Czech Republic. It is now operating more than seven million lines, both fixed and mobile, making it one of the world’s leading providers of fully converged services.

Telefónica O2 offers the most comprehensive portfolio of voice and data services in this country. It is paying special attention to the exploitation of the growth potential, particularly in the data and Internet sector. Telefónica O2 Czech Republic operates the largest fixed and mobile network including a digital O2 TV, 3rd generation network, enabling voice, data and video transmission. Telefónica O2 Czech Republic is also a notable provider of ICT services.

Telefónica O2 Czech Republic has implemented and received certifications for its Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2008), Environmental Protection System (ISO 14001:2004), Industrial Safety & Health System (ČSN OHSAS 18001:2007) and Information Safety System (ISO 27001:2005). Our company has received numerous other awards such as “Recognised for Excellence” by the European Foundation for Quality Management in 2006 or “Health-Supporting Business”.

Telefónica O2 Czech Republic is part of Telefónica Europe within the global Telefónica group. Telefónica is one of the world’s largest telecommunications operators by market capitalisation. It operates in 25 countries and has a global customer base of 260 million.

For more information about the company, please visit http://www.o2.cz/pr.

Contacts for journalists:
T-Mobile Czech Republic a.s.                                                 Telefónica O2 Czech Republic
Martina Kemrová                                                                     Martin Žabka
Senior Head of Corporate Communication                              Spokesperson
martina.kemrova@t-mobile.cz                                                 public.relations.cz@o2.com
Tel.: 603 601 150                                                                     Tel.: 800 163 342 (800 1 media) 

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.