Bertelsmann negotiates to rent UMTS network

German media giant Bertelsmann is looking to rent a UMTS network to distribute its content and is negotiating with German telcos to try and broker a deal.

A Bertelsmann spokesman said: "It is quite simple really. We have the content and they have the technology. We want to provide a one-stop shop solution for customers so they get music or information, or whatever the content is. Teaming up with a telco means we can gain the advantage of their technology." The company is in discussions with every German player except Mannesmann-Vodafone. The Bertelsmann spokesman declined to explain why this telco was being excluded. The media giant also declined to comment on how much the investment was worth or when services would be available.