EE and Three ink deal for joint 4G network construction

UK mobile network operators EE and Hutchison 3G UK (Three) have reportedly inked a 4G network sharing deal under which they will jointly invest around GBP1 billion (USD1.64 billion), the Financial Times reports. With the agreement expected to accelerate the rollout of the duo’s respective Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, while also lowering costs for each operator, it is understood that its represents the revision of terms of a previous contract between EE and Three related to existing network infrastructure. Under the terms of the updated agreement, the two cellcos will reportedly build the next part of their basic 4G networks together, including sharing mast infrastructure and transmission costs between the masts and the main national networks.