Italian fixed-wireless operators set sights on spare spectrum

Newly established Italian industry body the Coalition for Fixed Wireless Access (CFWA) has expressed an interest in acquiring spare spectrum which could be divested to clear the way for the proposed merger of cellcos Wind and 3 Italia. The CFWA, which was created by around 60 fixed-wireless operators in Italy in April, would use the frequencies to expand wireless broadband coverage – particularly in underserved areas – which they say would complement the government-backed rollout of high speed fibre networks. A number of other parties are reported to be interested in taking over the spectrum, however, including Fastweb, Sky and Iliad. The Wind/3 tie-up is currently being investigated by the European Commission’s competition authority. The CFWA involves groups such as wireless ISPs, tower companies, vendors, system integrators and satellite operators.