Brussels, 10/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - Subject to third party comment, the European Commission foresees authorising two sets of agreements to share infrastructure networks for the third generation (3G) of mobile phones. The agreement were filed for approval in February by mobile network operators T-Mobile and MMO2 and concern the sharing of infrastructure and national roaming for the third generation of mobile phones that these companies are building in the United Kingdom and Germany. The Commission has closely studied the impact these agreements would have on the competitive balance at the level of networks and services and has deduced that the resulting major cost saving would lead to more rapid deployment of the 3G networks, which would stimulate competition between services, to the consumers advantage. These agreements will also alleviate environmental problems caused by the necessary infrastructure, as less infrastructure will need to be deployed.. These beneficial effects will offset the possible restraints on competition, says the Commission, which is thus preparing to deliver a negative attestation and/or an exemption to Article 81 par. 1 and 3 of the Treaty to the companies. The agreements, which were the subject of a separate study due to the different market structure in Germany and Britain, are the only agreements that have been filed for approval so far, states the Commission, which expects notification for the German market very soon. Amelia Torres, Spokesperson for Commissioner Monti, explained this decision is important in that it is the first time the Commission clearly states its position in favour of sharing networks for third generation mobile phones. The Commission calls for the comments of third parties in two communications published in the Official Journal. One month is allowed for response and the European Executive promises that a final position may be taken very soon after this deadline.