Telecom Italia network sale could go ahead this year

Telecom Italia (TI) is still reportedly considering the functional spin-off of its network unit, with a flotation possible sometime this year according to local press. Italian daily La Repubblica claims that the telco’s new CEO, Franco Bernabe, is looking at a spin-off of the networks business as a means of reducing regulation, cutting debt and clearing the way for further international expansion. Italy’s telecoms regulator Agcom is keen to see TI split its network unit from its retail operations to improve the competitive landscape.