The new deal is set to extend the MVNO operation until 2021.
British Telecommunications and Virgin Media signed a new five-year mobile virtual network operator agreement that will see BT Group’s EE mobile unit provide wholesale mobile network services to Virgin Media, a subsidiary of Liberty Global.
The new MVNO agreement, which covers voice and data services, replaces an existing wholesale agreement between the two companies and extends its exclusivity to 2021.
“This winning combination with EE will give Virgin Mobile even more control and firepower to deliver innovative services to the U.K. mobile market,” said Peter Kelly, managing director of Virgin Mobile, in a statement. “Virgin Mobile customers want fast speeds, flexibility and plans packed full of data – we’re going to continue to deliver.”
“This has proven a successful relationship for both parties for many years and, as we enter a period of further technological change in the mobile market, we are very pleased to renew and extend our 17 year old relationship,” added Gerry McQuade, CEO BT Wholesale and Ventures. “As the largest wholesale provider of telecommunications services in Europe, BT values the economy of scale that Virgin Media brings to our network.”
Virgin Mobile initially launched MVNO services in 1999, and currently counts nearly 3 million mobile subscribers in the United Kingdom. In November 2016, Virgin Mobile added LTE connectivity.
Sonera announces restructuring process
In other EMEA news, Telia Company’s Finnish unit Sonera said it could cut its workforce by up to 145 positions in an attempt to improve the company’s efficiency. The cuts are expected to impact several units at the company. Sonera also said nearly 40 positions will be created as part of the initiative.
