PARIS-European telecom carriers Orange plc and Tele2 announced an agreement that will see Tele2 launch a mobile virtual network operator agreement in France using Orange’s network before the end of the year. In addition, Tele2 withdrew its request for arbitration with ART, France’s telecom regulator.
The deal will allow Tele2 to add wireless service to the fixed and ADSL services it already offers in France.
“Tele2 is delighted to end our regulatory conflict with Orange in such a positive way, which will allow us to provide our customers with mobile services before the end of 2005,” said Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, chief executive officer of Tele2. “France is a large country. Our success there will have a major impact and might pave the way for openings in other countries where we do not have mobile operations.”
Orange said the deal includes rates based on the “retail minus” principle, and that Tele2 will not own network elements.
