"The philosophy is a neutral company with a modular model of deployment depending on demand," Vila said. "We have launched the process and we have received indications of interest."

He added the eventual company would be run through Telefonica's new infrastructure unit, and local arm Telefonica Deutschland might take an equity stake. The parent company would have "limited financial exposure" he said.

(Reporting by Isla Binnie; Editing by Ingrid Melander)