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Vodafone and Hutchison Confirm Plans to Merge Irish Network Assets
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As rumoured last week, Vodafone and Hutchison Whampoa's Irish networks have formally announced that they are setting up a joint venture to manage their network infrastructure.
The two companies are creating a 50/50 joint venture company to share their physical network and site infrastructure at approximately 2,000 locations across Ireland. Both companies will continue to run the 'intelligent' elements of the network separately, including their core network capabilities and service platforms, as well as manage their own radio equipment and spectrum independently.
The strategic partnership is the first of its kind in Ireland whereby the joint venture company will manage the roll-out of a consolidated portfolio of shared network sites and infrastructure. The joint venture will also be responsible for maintenance, on-going operational service and associated equipment.
Under this agreement, duplicate sites will be decommissioned, and each company will have access to the other's sites. Both companies will continue to remain independently responsible for what technology and spectrum is deployed on a site-by-site basis and what standard of service customers' experience. Each operator retains the flexibility to invest in dedicated sites and equally to choose the pace and degree of new technology deployment according to the level of service each company plans to deliver.
The new company is expected to be fully operational from the Autumn and will be headquartered in Dublin. The Managing Director will be appointed from an independent pool of talent and the new company will have its own Management Board.
Approximately 80 employees will transfer from Vodafone Ireland and Three Ireland to the new joint venture company after a consultation period. These will include employees that currently work in the Radio and Transmission teams, the Network Operations Centre, and some support roles.
Tags: [vodafone] [hutchison 3g ireland] [Ireland]
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