Iliad-owned Free agreed a deal with digital infrastructure provider TDF for the deployment of 2,500 new telecoms sites in France, as part of a push to densify its 4G and 5G mobile networks.
In what is called a “Build-to-Suit” agreement, the partnership broadens TDF’s national footprint and “consolidates” its position as an independent and neutral host infrastructure operator, serving all the country’s telcos.
The arrangement includes a 20-year Master Services Agreement under which Free will remain the principal tenants for the sites.
TDF operates around 8,800 sites across France, including pylons, towers and rooftop installations.
Iliad explained the partnership is in line with a strategy for infrastructure, which has seen it establish several joint venture initiatives and partnerships over the past few years.
It added the tie-up with TDF will help it to further accelerate the densification of its 4G and 5G networks across France, while allowing the group to focus capex on improving services for its 15.7 million mobile subscribers in the country.
Nicolas Thomas, CEO of Free said partnering with TDF would help it to improve network quality and drive regional development.
“As a telco, we need to scale our infrastructure to deliver the best quality of service and keep pace with the constantly increasing demand for data and 5G services,” he said.
The deal is subject to customary regulatory conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.
Source: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/operators/free-tdf-to-boost-5g-with-new-cell-site-deal/
