- The agreement will give Open Fiber use of the Fibercop networkNetwork In computer language, the term network defines a set of hardware and software devices which, when linked together, enable the exchange and sharing of resources, data or information. In a computer network, the devices that generate, route and terminate data are called network nodes. infrastructure in white areasWhite Areas White Areas are those where private operators have not deemed it worthwhile to invest and therefore lack broadband and ultra-broadband infrastructure., worth over €200 million
- TIM will make the Open Fiber VHCN fibre available to at least 500 thousand customers in the white areas
- Mario Rossetti, Open Fiber’S CEO: “A news page of constructive collaboration in the interest of the country and businesses”
- Pietro Labriola, TIM’S CEO: “Proud of this agreement, which represents a further step forward in the execution of our asset enhancement strategy”
Rome, 13 May 2022
Open Fiber, TIM and FiberCop have signed a commercial agreement that allows for the reuse of the network infrastructures in what are termed the “white areas”, where the development of a TLC infrastructure under concession has been financed by public funding.
The agreement marks the start of a new phase in the relations between the main Italian infrastructure operators, and aims to ensure a more efficient use of resources, with a view to speeding up coverage for the country with VHCNs (Very High Capacity Network).
In the white areas – where Open Fiber has been awarded the three public tenders called by InfratelInfratel Infratel Italia S.p.A. is an in-house company of the Ministry of Economic Development and is the implementing party of the Government’s Broadband and Ultra-Broadband Plans. For more information visit www.infratelitalia.it – the agreement establishes that Open Fiber shall purchase from FiberCop, for an equivalent-value of over 200 million euros, the IRU (Indefeasible Right of Use) for aerial infrastructures and access connections to the customer’s home. At the same time, TIM is committed to making Open Fiber’s optical fibre available to its customers in white areas. This will enable the activation on the Open Fiber network of at least 500 thousand customers asking to use FTTHFTTH “Fiber to the Home” is the technology that connects POPs, located in exchanges, to end users’ property units with fiber optics. (Fiber To The Home) technology.
This agreement will also allow Open Fiber to significantly speed up the phases of network construction (creation) and connection activation (delivery) in white areas, in line with the objectives of the business plan approved on 3 December, which reserves a significant portion of available resources for concession areas. Greater efficiency in the use of infrastructures and the work factor means not only speeding up on cabling the country, where already envisaged, but also releasing resources to be allocated to the other development plans envisaged by the NRRP.
Mario Rossetti, Open Fiber’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager: “We are very happy with the agreement reached, which opens up a new page of constructive collaboration in our mutual interests and those of the country. The agreement is, in fact, even more significant in the current context of scarcity of labour and increased commodity prices; making investments quicker and more efficient is therefore not only rational but also necessary. The white areas, in particular, are a focal point for us, on which the company’s business is concentrated, considering the major social-economic impacts deriving from the reduction of the digital divideDigital Divide A term to describe the gap between those who can use new information and communication technologies and those who, for technical, economic or social reasons, are unable to use them. Read the news item “Digital divide and social inequality: the role of Open Fiber” to find out more. in internal areas, through implementing the UBBUBB Ultra-broadband is when the actual download connection speed is at least 30 Mbps. Networks in which the connection speed reaches or exceeds 1 Gbps are generically referred to as ultra-fast networks. To enable these speeds, optical fibres must be used instead of traditional copper cables, which is why these networks are called optical access networks (NGANs) or, more simply, optical networks (NGNs). Plan.”
Pietro Labriola, TIM’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager: “I am proud of this agreement, which represents a further step forward in the execution of our asset enhancement strategy. Through this transaction we create a new source of revenue, generating value for the Group and its shareholders. The deal also provides a concrete response to the need for connectivity of citizens, businesses, and local administrations that to date have not had access to the opportunities and benefits offered by digital technology. Furthermore, this partnership shows just how important it is to have open, collaborative dialogue with the other operators, in a market that is increasingly competitive and strategic for the country.”
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