Third Tier Operators Form Alliance

Nine of Europes smaller mobile operators have announced the formation of a new mobile alliance. Amena (Spain), O2 (Germany, UK and Ireland), One (Austria), Pannon GSM (Hungary), sunrise (Switzerland), Telenor Mobil (Norway) and Wind (Italy) signed a formal agreement in Munich, Germany.

The new alliance will initially span the European territories of its members and address more than 40 million subscribers. It aims to be quick to market with new, innovative cross-border products and services as well as co-operate on initiatives, including technology, sourcing and sales. As the alliance develops, it will expand to cover other key regions to further enhance the reach and 'home-away-from-home' experience of its customers, backed by the same simplicity, convenience and service quality to which they are accustomed.

In addition, the alliance partners will introduce a pre-paid top-up service to allow customers to quickly and easily top-up their credit when travelling in member countries.

Media reports suggested that both KPN and Bouygues Telecom are also interested in joining the new alliance.

The new unnamed group will compete with Vodafone which has a presence in almost every European country, and a recently announced alliance that brought together Orange, TIM, T-Mobile and Telef

Posted to the site on 3rd October 2003