Mobile-Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), a Joint Venture 3G / Mobile Broadband network sharing agreement between T-Mobile and Three (3) UK that first began at the end of 2007, looks set to be joined by Orange (France Telecom) before the week is out.

The move, which could cut costs and improve coverage for all three operators, would not be a surprise given T-Mobile and Orange's recent merger into Everything Everywhere. However it would make it harder for Orange to continue its claims about having the best 3G network coverage.

The ZDNet article informs that an official announcement is due to surface tomorrow, with Orange UK expected to contribute several thousand of its own masts to the Joint Venture. The new arrangement will continue a 50-50 split, albeit between Three (3) and 'Everything Everywhere'.

April 2010 saw network equipment manufacturer Nokia Siemens Networks sign a £400m contract with MBNL to help expand both the capacity and reach of each operators shared 3G network infrastructure. Orange will be pleased to get a piece of the action.