\tVodafone UK deepened a network sharing partnership with Telefonica UK to cover 5G in a bid to enable faster deployment of the technology at a lower cost, as both companies look to step up competition with market leader BT.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the operators said they had entered into a non-binding agreement to extend their existing network sharing partnership to include 5G at joint radio network sites. A final deal is subject to parties agreeing detailed terms and receiving regulatory approvals, which is expected to be concluded during 2019.<\/p>\n
The move is designed to enable both Vodafone and Telefonica\u2019s O2 to deploy 5G faster, offer the service to more customers over a wider geographical area, and to do so at a lower cost.<\/p>\n
While they will deploy separate radio equipment at approximately 2,500 sites, the operators will look to extend \u201cgreater network autonomy in a number of larger cities\u201d, through the partnership.<\/p>\n
The 2,500 sites represent around 15 per cent of total sites outside of capital London.<\/p>\n
Vodafone and O2 also committed to upgrade transmission networks with higher-capacity optical fibre cables, which they believe will enable customers to benefit from some of the touted advantages of 5G such as low latency.<\/p>\n
The companies first established a joint venture in 2012, dubbed CTIL, to share network deployment costs. They said they will explore “potential monetisation of CTIL after the new agreements have been finalised\u201d.<\/p>\n
Spectrum spend
\nVodafone UK CEO Nick Jeffery and Mark Evans, CEO of Telefonica UK, said the 5G partnership enables the operators to more effectively use spectrum acquired in the UK\u2019s most recent auction [1].<\/p>\n
The 5G race is hotting up in the UK, with the country\u2019s four major operators targeting a launch this year.<\/p>\n
BT\u2019s EE aims to be first to launch [2], previously revealing plans to deploy the technology in 16 cities across the country this year.<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/home-banner\/uk-operators-spend-1-4b-in-4g-5g-auction\/
\n[2] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/home-banner\/ee-lays-out-5g-launch-strategy\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Vodafone UK deepened a network sharing partnership with Telefonica UK to cover 5G in a …<\/p>\n
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