You are in:
- Back Issues » 2006 » December
Strategic review of all options for Airwave O2 Ltd, including a total or partial disposal of the company
Telefónica S.A. today (15 December 2006) has announced the appointment of J P Morgan Cazenove to undertake a strategic review of all options for Airwave O2 Ltd, including a total or partial disposal of the company.
Airwave O2 Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Telefónica, manages a public safety radio communications service in Great Britain. Its customers include all Police forces and Fire and Rescue Services in Britain, as well as all Ambulance Trusts in England and Scotland. The company has completed the rollout of a nationwide, secure, digital radio communications network based on the Tetra technology standard. One of the UK's most successful Private Finance Initiative projects, this is the world's largest Tetra network, serving over 200,000 emergency service and public safety users.
The Airwave system provides true interoperability between the emergency services for the first time, allowing them to communicate seamlessly regardless of location. Because all Airwave communications are encrypted, they cannot be scanned or monitored by outsiders. The network, which is highly resilient, enables both voice and data communications - giving the emergency services wide flexibility in choosing how to communicate.
The review process, which follows initial consultation with Her Majesty's Government, is likely to take a number of months. During this period, the existing Airwave O2 management team remains fully committed to continuing to provide the highest levels of service to its customers.
A further announcement will be made in due course.
