Polish operators PTC (T-Mobile) and PTK Centertel (Orange) inked a deal to share their radio access networks, through the creation of a newly-formed venture (NetWorkS!) in which both will hold 50 percent. The companies will work together in areas including management, planning, support development and maintenance. In a statement, the partners said that the most significant benefits are related to the “short term acceleration of the modernisation of the entire RAN network to the most modern technology, compatible and supporting the latest standards.” The deal is valid for 15 years, with an option to extend.

It was noted that the RAN sharing agreement “will be limited to technical aspects.” Each company will remain the owner of their networks and frequencies, and both will continue to compete in the wholesale and retail telecoms market. The partners will also be able to eliminate duplicating base stations that are in close proximity, and share the remaining stations across the country. The joint network will give T-Mobile and Orange access to 10,000 base stations, compared to the two current separate deployments of 7,000 and 6,400 sites respectively. According to Wireless Intelligence, Orange is currently the biggest operator in Poland, with 14.58 million subscribers, while T-Mobile is in third place, with 13.15 million – Polkomtel (Plus) is number-two placed, with 13.79 million.