This makes a lot of sense for both operators but it remains to be seen if Ofcom will warm to it. It's not the first time two networks have arranged to share network resourses as Vodafone and 02 already have combined services in many remote areas of the Scottish Highlands where duplication would have been simply unviable.
The combination of Orange and Vodafone's 3G capacity and coverage would make a very strong compeditior for the others and if allowed may be the catalyst for one of the others to acquire and integrate 3's network to speed up coverage and improve capacity.
Maybe the above has been designed to bring about such a move and force others to consolodate ruling out the arrival of any new UK player. I suspect there is more than one reason for this new development and maintaining control between 4 big International companies probably has a lot do do with it.
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