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Tim and Fastweb+Vodafone Agree to Share 5G Networks in Preliminary Rural Rollout Pact

Regulators must clear a final contract expected in Q2 2026.

Overview

  • Under the RAN-sharing model, the operators plan to extend coverage in municipalities under 35,000 residents across ten regions while keeping separate commercial offerings.
  • The plan foresees about 15,500 radio sites per operator by the end of 2028, with reciprocal access to the shared infrastructure.
  • The companies say the approach will cut costs and environmental impact by avoiding duplicate builds, and Il Post reports the sites will be usable by other operators.
  • Regulatory approvals are required from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, the competition authority (AGCM) and the communications regulator (AGCOM).
  • Tim’s shares rose about 5.8% after the announcement, and Italian market reporting cited roughly €300 million in investment savings over a decade.