22nd September - A SPOKESMAN for 3 UK, the 3G network specialist, has confirmed rumours that his company and rival operator, T-Mobile, are in early stages of negotiations over sharing their radio networks.

He described the arrangement between the two operators as a 'best fit' because between the two of them, they have the best 3G coverage in the UK.

If the deal goes ahead, it will mean 98 per cent of the UK's population being covered by the joint networks.

This is not the first time UK networks have pledged to work together. Back in February Vodafone and Orange announced such a plan but months later there still isn't a joint venture company in place to manage the combined networks.

If both deals go ahead, it will leave O2 – now owned by Telefonica of Spain – in a somewhat disadvantageous position.

A joint venture offers the participants a number of synergies – especially since it reduces the number of base stations required to provide adequate coverage.

The 3 spokesman also hinted that a joint venture would also help speed up the roll out of HSDPA – sometimes known as Superfast 3G or Turbo 3G.

3 has been adding HSDPA support to the Nokia infrastructure it possesses in the North of England as well as adding HSDPA to its equipment located inside London's M25 circular motorway.