UK’s Vodafone Group and Swisscom announced plans to extend their long running strategic partner market agreement by a further four years, bringing up more than a decade of close collaboration.

The agreement, which dates back to 2006 when Vodafone sold its 25 per cent stake in Swisscom Mobile back to Swisscom for £1.8 billion, has seen the two operators collaborate for years to allow customers from both companies “to enjoy network, product and service benefits.”

In a statement, the companies said the renewal will take effect from the beginning of 2016, and will see Swisscom customers continue to enjoy roaming benefits, including for 4G data where Vodafone operates. They will also continue to have access to Vodafone’s mobile, voice and data capabilities. For Vodafone, consumer and enterprise customers will be able to roam on Swisscom’s network when in the country.

The companies added that their combined footprint will also allow corporate customers to “connect confidently across more than 80 markets”.

Swisscom will further be able to “draw on Vodafone’s scale to deliver procurement efficiencies, including the purchasing of network infrastructure, IT equipment and handsets”.

Vodafone strikes partner market agreements in countries where it does not own or operate a mobile network. Agreements vary from Vodafone branding to product branding, roaming and service re-sale. Its Partner Markets division was originally set up in 2002 and has expanded to 37 partners in more than 50 countries.