TIM announces formal start of network separation plan

Telecom Italia, which trades as TIM, says it has notified Italy’s Communications Regulatory Authority (Autorita per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni, Agcom) of its plans to spin off its fixed access business, marking the formal start of the network separation procedure. The telco plans to create a separate entity – NetCo – to hold its fixed infrastructure assets, which will include access network infrastructure, from the exchange to customers’ homes, as well as buildings, electronic equipment and IT systems. NetCo will offer wholesale access to its networks on an equal and independent basis to all telecoms service providers, including TIM itself. The new unit will be 100% controlled by TIM initially, though it is thought that a stake in the company will be offered for sale at a later stage. TIM’s board approved the separation plan on 6 March.