Wan Services Ltd. (Telefónica UK) and Vodafone Limited (Vodafone UK) announced their intention to strengthen their existing network partnership, by pooling the basic parts of their network infrastructure to create one national grid running each operator's independent spectrum. The plan will deliver real benefits for mobile phone users by creating two competing networks that will be able to offer indoor 2G and 3G coverage targeting 98% of the UK population by 2015, delivering mobile coverage and mobile internet services to the vast majority of UK households. It will also ensure that the capability for the next generation of 4G mobile services is rolled out as widely and rapidly as possible, helping to close the digital divide between rural and urban areas.

Everything Everywhere, Telefonica UK and Vodafone UK announced plans to create a standalone m-commerce joint venture (JV). The new entity in the UK, will bring together the expertise and technology of the UK's leading mobile operators, enabling the rapid development and delivery of new mobile marketing and payment services. The JV will provide a single contact for advertisers, marketing partners, retailers and banks making it far easier to create m-commerce products and services. The JV will be open and available to all industry participants, maximizing benefits to consumers. The JV is subject to competition clearance and is aiming to launch before the end of 2011. The JV will deliver the technology required for the speedy adoption of mobile wallet and payments. This will enable consumers to transfer their entire physical wallet into a new secure, SIM-based wallet regardless of which NFC enabled mobile device, or mobile network they are using. Companies and organizations that provide anything from credit, debit and loyalty cards to membership cards and transport tickets will be able to create secure mobile versions of their products. Consumers will be able to use their mobiles to pay for goods, services and travel using contactless technology (NFC) with one touch of their phone, or online via mobile or PC. The new business will also provide a single contact point for advertisers, media agencies and retailers looking to reach consumers on their mobile phones. The JV will enable them to book advertising space and create campaigns as well as provide offers, coupons and loyalty cards which can be stored on the phone and redeemed in shops. For consumers, the JV means that they will be able to receive discounts and offers from brands that are relevant to them and that they want to receive. Everything Everywhere, Telefonica UK and Vodafone UK will continue to develop their own competing products and services tailored to their own customers, which will be based on the open platform infrastructure provided by the JV.