In a huge move for the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) part of its business, Virgin Media will from 2021 have full access to all of the current services and future technologies from telco Vodafone, including its 5G network.
The move comes Virgin’s decision not to renew its current MVNO agreement with BT Enterprise, which has been in place since January 2017 and which ends in late 2021.
The five-year deal will see Vodafone supply wholesale mobile network services, including voice and data, to Virgin Mobile and Virgin Media Business. Virgin Mobile 5G services will launch on the Vodafone network, which launched in July 2019, before the transition takes place and a “complementary and extensive” wholesale agreement has been struck between both parties in relation to the supply of network services by Virgin Media Business to Vodafone.
“This agreement with Vodafone will bring a host of fantastic benefits and experiences to our customers, including 5G services in the near future,” commented Virgin Media CEO Lutz Schüler. “Twenty years ago, Virgin Mobile became the world’s first virtual operator and this new agreement builds on that heritage. It will open up a whole new world of opportunity for Virgin Media as we focus on becoming the most recommended brand for customers and bring our mobile and broadband connectivity closer together in one package for one price.”
Added Vodafone UK CEO Nick Jeffery: “This is an exciting deal between two great British brands. We are combining our strong heritage in innovation to create a world without limits for our customers through unlimited data offers and 5G.”
Commenting on the new deal, Paolo Pescatore, technology, media and telco analyst at PP Foresight said: “This cements the growing relationship between both parents in other European markets. For Vodafone this is a great coup as it continues to turnaround its fortunes in the highly competitive U.K. market. For years, Virgin Media has been hampered with its current EE deal. This latest deal will give the MVNO more flexibility to compete with rivals.”
The five-year deal will see Vodafone supply wholesale mobile network services, including voice and data, to Virgin Mobile and Virgin Media Business. Virgin Mobile 5G services will launch on the Vodafone network, which launched in July 2019, before the transition takes place and a “complementary and extensive” wholesale agreement has been struck between both parties in relation to the supply of network services by Virgin Media Business to Vodafone.
“This agreement with Vodafone will bring a host of fantastic benefits and experiences to our customers, including 5G services in the near future,” commented Virgin Media CEO Lutz Schüler. “Twenty years ago, Virgin Mobile became the world’s first virtual operator and this new agreement builds on that heritage. It will open up a whole new world of opportunity for Virgin Media as we focus on becoming the most recommended brand for customers and bring our mobile and broadband connectivity closer together in one package for one price.”
Added Vodafone UK CEO Nick Jeffery: “This is an exciting deal between two great British brands. We are combining our strong heritage in innovation to create a world without limits for our customers through unlimited data offers and 5G.”
Commenting on the new deal, Paolo Pescatore, technology, media and telco analyst at PP Foresight said: “This cements the growing relationship between both parents in other European markets. For Vodafone this is a great coup as it continues to turnaround its fortunes in the highly competitive U.K. market. For years, Virgin Media has been hampered with its current EE deal. This latest deal will give the MVNO more flexibility to compete with rivals.”
