Cable operator UPC is expected to enter the mobile market shortly after signing an agreement with Three Ireland that will allow it to offer services via the operators' network.
The announcement comes just two days after the European Commission approved to Three Ireland's €850 million buyout of O2 Ireland, making it the second biggest telecoms provider in the State
UPC has signed a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement that allows it to piggyback on Three’s network rather than having to set up its own.
The agreement with UPC was one of the sweeteners Three had offered to ensure the 02 deal would get the go-ahead.
"This is a strategic and exciting agreement which gives UPC the opportunity to provide another extraordinary product to consumers with the launch of mobile and to become a fully-fledged quad-play services provider. Three together with their acquired O2 business will be a great mobile network partner of ours going forward," said Magnus Ternsjo, chief executive of UPC Ireland.
"Our parent company Liberty Global is in the process of launching mobile services in a number of countries across Europe, and we are delighted to strike a deal that allows us to make this step in Ireland as well," he added.
