Seemingly unconcerned by all the activity surrounding the bidding for MTN, Vodafone has quietly revealed a partnership deal with Entel PCS, the #2 cell phone operator in Chile.
The agreement will see Vodafone introduce its products and services (under its name) that will include push email devices, branded handsets and HSDPA USB modems, into the Chilean market with the help of Entel. This co-operation will also cover selected roaming agreements together with the sharing of best practice data so as to develop future offerings.
Richard Büchi, president of Entel PCS, said, "Now that we are partners of the world's largest international mobile network, we will complement standards, have a greater purchasing power and generate an important critical mass. Obviously, this is an advantage, for both our end customers and Entel PCS as a company." Entel is the strongest competitor to Chilean market leader Telefonica Moviles, which dominates the mobile space with 6.4 million subscribers. Entel trails slightly with 5.8 million customers.
Vodafone has an existing partnership marketing agreement with America Movil covering much of Latin and South America. The region is one of few where Vodafone does not have a direct interest.
For more on this story:
-read Unstrung and Telecoms.com