Virgin Media O2 and Tesco Mobile have signed a 10-year renewal of their 50/50 joint venture.

According to the company, the renewal of the venture reconfirms Virgin Media O2’s position as the network of choice among the larger mobile providers.

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The move comes 20 years after Tesco Mobile was launched and has since grown to be the UK’s largest mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), with more than 5.5 million customers.

Virgin Media O2 CEO, Lutz Schüler said: “We have enjoyed great success with Tesco Mobile over the past 20 years, as a partner and a network provider, and I have no doubt that will continue over the next decade.

“With demand for mobile data greater than ever, we’re continuing to invest heavily in our network to give our customers, and those of other providers who use our connectivity, an even better experience with the fast and reliable mobile services they expect and rely on.”

Tesco Mobile CEO, Jonathan Taylor continued: “With the combined power of Virgin Media O2 and Tesco we’re an MVNO which packs an almighty punch. We’re incredibly proud of the success we’ve achieved over the last 20 years, we’ve gone from strength to strength and now serve over 5.5 million customers across the UK.

“We’re looking forward to unlocking further opportunities with our partners to drive future growth and continue to offer our customers the best value, helpful propositions and award-winning service.”

According to Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, this renewal will ensure its customers can “continue to benefit from excellent connectivity across the UK, while enjoying all the benefits of supermarket mobile, including exclusive deals with Clubcard Prices.”

The news comes as Tesco Mobile recently appointed ex-Boyzone singer, Ronan Keating, as its first-ever Roaming Ambassador.

As part of the campaign, the singer, who has been renamed as ‘Roaming Keating’ on social media, will ‘roam’ around stores across the country this week with surprise performances and holiday gift cards.