TIM and Fastweb join forces for 5G, agreement for 6,000 new shared sites

Telecommunications companies TIM and Fastweb + Vodafone have recently formalized a non-binding agreement focused on the construction and subsequent management of new passive infrastructures destined for mobile telecommunications across Italy.

The agreement foresees a particularly broad development outlook, estimating the construction of up to 6,000 new shared sites.

Through this joint initiative, the companies aim to deliver a strong acceleration to the expansion process and the national roll-out of 5G networks.

TIM and Fastweb: a strategic alliance for infrastructure

The recently signed infrastructure project will enable TIM and Fastweb + Vodafone to increase their operational efficiency, while at the same time realigning their operating costs closer to the European market average.

This optimization process will be advanced while maintaining high-quality standards for the infrastructure itself and ensuring the technological flexibility required for the development of next-generation networks.

From a strictly corporate point of view, the initiative will initially be realized through the establishment of a joint-venture, in which the shares will be held equally by TIM and Fastweb + Vodafone.

In a later phase after project launch, the companies will consider bringing in new third-party investors into the corporate structure, a financial move designed to optimize the overall framework.

Long-term development and sharing model

The practical activities for constructing the new antennas will be launched following a detailed development plan that will span several years.

Within this long-term project, TIM and Fastweb + Vodafone will formally assume the role of anchor tenant of the new technological infrastructure.

To confirm this commitment, the two companies will sign long-term agreements to regulate the use of the towers under market terms.

The built infrastructure will be made available to other third-party telecommunications operators, strictly operating under an open-access model.

In addition to outlining the physical foundations of the network, the parties will consider enriching the offering by providing additional services.