Discuss this story in the Industry View Forum . Executives of European wireless operators have been complaining in recent months that the costs of infrastructure and acquiring spectrum have lessened the likelihood that 3G service can be profitable. In addition, the Financial Times reported that Germany is likely to allow competing wireless operators to cooperate to provide the faster service.
Cooperation is considered one way to lower operators' costs.
Nokia announced that Orange and Itineris, both of which are owned by France Telecom, will use Nokia 3G infrastructure products. The infrastructure will be used by Orange in the U.K. and Itineris in France. The FT reported that cooperation could include mergers or agreements to cooperate on operations. It said that Germany is considered a linchpin for cooperation throughout Europe because many major European wireless operators have significant investments in the German wireless market. The FT also reported that BT Cellnet said it was discussing cooperation with its competitors in the U.K. to reduce 3G infrastructure costs.