Telecom Italia (TIM) reached a preliminary agreement with Fastweb + Vodafone to jointly develop mobile access networks using a Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing model, aiming to accelerate 5G deployment across Italy. The companies expect to finalize a definitive contract by the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, including Italy’s Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT), the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM), and the communications regulator AGCom.
The agreement allows each operator to access the other’s mobile radio infrastructure in designated areas, reducing duplication of sites and equipment. By improving efficiency and lowering rollout costs, the partners plan to extend high-performance 5G coverage to underserved and low-density regions, supporting broader digital inclusion for consumers and businesses.
RAN sharing models already operate widely across the European Union, enabling operators to optimize capital spending while preserving commercial and technological independence. TIM and Fastweb + Vodafone say the collaboration will also reduce environmental impact and free up resources for further investment in next-generation mobile technologies, aligning with Italy’s digital transformation goals under the European Digital Decade.
- Preliminary RAN sharing agreement; definitive contract targeted for Q2 2026
- Subject to approval by MIMIT, AGCM, and AGCom
- Mutual access to mobile radio infrastructure in selected areas
- Focus on extending 5G to low-density and underserved regions
- Operators retain commercial autonomy and technology independence
“By working together on radio access infrastructure, we can speed up 5G deployment, avoid unnecessary duplication, and deliver more sustainable coverage across the country,” the companies said.
🌐 Analysis
The agreement reflects a broader European trend toward network-sharing partnerships as operators seek cost-efficient paths to nationwide 5G coverage. Similar RAN sharing arrangements in markets such as Spain, the UK, and the Nordics suggest regulators increasingly view these models as compatible with competition, provided service differentiation and retail independence remain intact.
