Optus and Vodafone Australia have announced a heads of agreement to share 3G network sites and radio infrastructure across Australia. Under the agreement, Optus and Vodafone will work together to build and operate a joint national 3G radio network infrastructure.

Optus will draw on SingTel’s regional presence and expertise and Vodafone will draw on its global experience in rolling out 3G networks around the world including Japan, the UK, Germany and Italy. This will ensure that the 3G customer experience is first rate.

Although the two companies will share 3G infrastructure, they will provide completely separate customer services and continue to compete for customer business. The two companies expect to sign a long form agreement by late October 2004.