[ET Net News Agency, 26 June 2019] Fastweb and Wind Tre, part of the CK Hutchison
group, announced today the launch of a strategic agreement leveraging on the operators'
respective assets in order to accelerate the roll-out of a nationwide, state-of-the-art 5G
network.
The agreement will lead to the rapid deployment of a shared 5G radio access and
back-hauling network in Italy that will support the delivery of next-generation, high
performing mobile services for Fastweb and Wind Tre customers.
The shared 5G network will include Wind Tre and Fastweb macro and small cells, connected
through dark fiber from Fastweb, to be deployed nationwide, with a targeted coverage of
90% 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.
As part of the agreement, Wind Tre will provide Fastweb roaming services on Wind Tre's
existing network (4G and legacy technologies), thus allowing Fastweb to extend its mobile
coverage to national level, while Fastweb will provide Wind Tre wholesale access to
Fastweb's FTTH and FTTC network, increasing the capability of Wind Tre to provide
ultra-broadband connectivity to Wind Tre's wireline customers.
The agreement has an initial, ten year duration and is subject to the approval of
competent authorities. (KL)