SYDNEY, Australia-Following a similar announcement by rivals earlier this month, Vodafone Australia and Optus said they agreed to share third-generation network sites and infrastructure. The carriers will work together to build and operate a national 3G network.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“The radio access network represents about two-thirds of the total capital cost of a 3G network, so to be able to share this cost with another company is beneficial,” said Allen Lew, managing director of Optus Mobile.
Although the companies will share infrastructure, they will provide separate customers services and compete for business. The carriers plan to sign a long-form agreement by late October.
Telstra Corp. and Hutchison 3G Australia Aug. 9 said they would share 3G infrastructure in Australia under a $315 million joint venture.