Italian operators Fastweb and Wind Tre have announced an agreement to team up on the rollout of a nationwide 5G network. The deal follows that reached by rivals Telecom Italia (TIM) and Vodafone in February – with both having since launched their 5G networks – and paves the way for Fastweb and Wind Tre to share their respective assets in order to accelerate the deployment of 5G mobile broadband infrastructure throughout the country.
In a joint statement, Fastweb CEO described the agreement as “a fundamental step in the execution of Fastweb’s strategy to build a sustainable fixed-mobile convergent business,” while Wind Tre CEO said the combination of resources would help to “accelerate the strategy of 're-inventing' Wind Tre by enabling 5G services and integrated solutions to meet the present and future requirements of our customers.”
Swisscom-owned Fastweb and Wind Tre, now 100 percent owned by CK Hutchison, said the shared 5G network will include macro and small cells from both companies, connected through dark fibre from Fastweb, to be deployed nationwide, with a targeted coverage of 90 percent of the population by 2026. Wind Tre will manage the 5G network, while both operators will remain independent in the commercial and operational use of the shared infrastructure.
Under the terms of the deal, Wind Tre will provide roaming services to Fastweb on its existing network (4G and legacy technologies), allowing the Swisscom subsidiary to extend its mobile coverage to national level. At the same time, Fastweb will provide Wind Tre wholesale access to its FTTH and FTTC network, increasing the capability of the Hutchison unit to provide ultra-broadband connectivity to its landline customers. The agreement has an initial 10-year duration and is subject to the approval of regulators.
