Vodafone and O2 are teaming up to share their network infrastructure.

An agreement announced last Thursday by Vodafone and O2, will create a joint venture that will take over the running of both mobile phone networks basic network infrastructure, including their towers and over 18,500 mobile phone masts.

Once the deal goes through, (expected later on this year) it should mean improved reception for customers of both mobile phone operators. According to Vodafone and O2 the sharing of this network infrastructure will provide indoor 2G and 3G coverage for 98 percent of the UK population by 2015.

However, unlike a recent similar mobile network sharing agreement between Orange and T-Mobile, customers will not be able to roam between the Vodafone and O2 networks. Vodafone and O2 will keep their customers separate; Vodafone traffic on Vodafone and O2 traffic will be carried on O2 network .

We think Vodafone and O2 are making this move with an eye on their future 4G rollout: the two mobile network operators claim the network-sharing deal will allow them to more quickly meet Ofcom’s requirement that 4G deployments must cover 98 percent of the UK population by 2017.

For more information on 4G watch Top ten reviews what is 4G guide

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