Telecom Italia late last week confi rmed it will resume talks with Metroweb about investing in a shared fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network.
Earlier negotiations between the two companies broke down in April after Metroweb parents F2i and Fondo Strategic Italiano (FSI) rejected the terms put forward by Telecom Italia. According to press reports at the time, the incumbent wanted to take an initial 40% stake in Metroweb and grow it to 100% over five years.
However, fresh rumours emerged 10 days ago that Metroweb is back in play. Sources cited by Il Sole 24 Ore claimed that F2i and FSI had softened their stance on Telecom Italia’s proposal.
In a statement on Friday, Telecom Italia revealed that it had been contacted again by Metroweb’s parents about building a shared FTTH network.
While details of the proposal were not disclosed, Telecom Italia said it had been discussed at a board meeting, and that it has decided to resume contact with F2i and FSI.
The resumption of talks comes as Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi prepares to invest public money into fibre infrastructure.
The government has set out a €12 billion rollout plan that will see the private sector and the state invest €5 billion and €7 billion respectively. The first contracts are due to be awarded this autumn.
