Telefonica sells Hamburg fibre network to Versatel

Versatel has agreed a long-term cooperation deal with Telefonica Germany (O2), under which it will acquire the Spanish-owned company’s Hamburg fibre network, boosting the length of its entire fibre infrastructure from around 52,000km to 93,000km. In return, Telefonica ensures itself long-term access to the Versatel network, enabling it to connect its UMTS and LTE base stations to fibre infrastructure. ’Versatel has long standing experience in running and rolling out fibre infrastructure. With the consolidation of the networks, we are ever more the right partners for the increasing requirements of our customers in respect of broadband, both in the region of Hamburg and throughout Germany,’ commented Johannes Pruchnow, chairman of the Versatel management, adding: ‘After Berlin, Versatel now also has a comparable comprehensive own network infrastructure in the second biggest German city.’ Alongside the Hamburg network, Verastel will also buy a new data processing service centre, allowing the company to offer its business and wholesale customers better network coverage, as well as the possibility for more comprehensive housing services. The sale is expected to be closed by the end of 2013, subject to regulatory approval.