Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), the joint venture between T-Mobile UK and 3 UK formed to create and manage what will be the UK’s most extensive 3G network, has selected Arqiva as its strategic partner for the provision of cell sites.

Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, Arqiva will provide MBNL with 5,100 sites and Arqiva will have exclusive marketing rights for site sharing services on a further 2,500 sites. T-Mobile UK and 3 UK entered into an infrastructure consolidation agreement in January 2008 with the objective of creating the UK’s most extensive 3G network by 2010, providing close to complete nationwide population coverage. This pioneering model for network consolidation will dramatically increase the uptake of 3G services as a result of improved nationwide coverage and the higher quality of in-building reception. The reduction in capital investment in infrastructure, the decommissioning of an estimated 5,000 sites and the lower operational costs achieved by jointly managing and maintaining a shared network is expected to generate a joint saving of 2 billion pounds over 10 years.