Versatel, Telefonica fibre network deal wins approval

Germany’s Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) has approved a long-term cooperation agreement between Versatel and Telefonica Germany (O2) that was announced by the two companies last month. The deal will see Versatel 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. 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. With the Federal Cartel Office’s approval granted, the purchase is now expected to be completed by the end of 2013.