(Alliance News) - Telecom Italia Spa announced on Wednesday that it has reached a preliminary agreement with Fastweb and Vodafone to begin cooperation on the development of mobile access networks through a Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing model, with the aim of speeding up the expansion of 5G in Italy.
This agreement paves the way for the signing of a definitive contract, which is expected by the second quarter of 2026.
As the company explained in a statement, the project is subject to authorization from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, the Antitrust Authority, and the Communications Regulatory Authority. The initiative aims for a more efficient use of existing infrastructure, enabling broader and more sustainable 5G coverage.
The agreement stipulates that each operator will be able to use the other’s radio-mobile access infrastructure in the relevant areas, avoiding duplication. The resulting efficiencies will make it possible to extend high-performance 5G networks even to low-density areas that are currently underserved, thereby improving digital inclusion and service quality for both households and businesses.
This collaborative model, already widespread in several EU countries, ensures that each party maintains full commercial autonomy and technological independence, reduces environmental impact, and, thanks to lower implementation costs, frees up resources to invest in next-generation mobile technologies.
Through a more effective rollout of 5G, the company explains, the initiative will contribute to Italy’s digital transformation and the strengthening of the country’s competitiveness, in line with the goals of the European Digital Decade, delivering direct benefits to consumers, businesses, and communities.
By Antonio Di Giorgio, Alliance News reporter
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