The internet service provider FastWeb has pulled out of the Italian government’s auction of 3.5GHz WiMAX spectrum, leaving 22 bidders chasing the 35 regional licences. Fixed line and cellular operator Wind withdrew from the auction at the start of the week.
Separately, communications regulator Agcom reports that Telecom Italia controlled 65.3% of Italy’s retail and wholesale broadband internet market in 2007. In the retail segment, Telecom Italia had a 64% share, while FastWeb claimed 11.6% and Wind had 10.3%; Tele2 and Tiscali claimed 4.9% each, with the remainder taken by smaller operators.