Out-Law / Your Daily Need-To-Know

The European Commission is set to approve agreements between T-Mobile and MMO2 (formerly BT Cellnet) to share infrastructure networks in the UK and Germany for third generation (3G) mobile phones, a move by the operators that will save significant costs.

The two sets of agreements were filed for approval under the competition rules by each operator. The Commission's analysis of the deals is that the cost savings anticipated from the sharing of network elements should lead to quicker 3G network roll-out and services competition, which will benefit consumers, without leading to undue restraints on network competition. Other benefits include greater network coverage and a more limited environmental impact.

Before taking a final decision, the Commission has published a summary of the agreements in the EU's Official Journal and is inviting interested parties to comment by 10th October 2002.

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