Italian operators Iliad and WindTre have finalized their joint venture, called Zefiro Net, aimed at reducing the country’s digital divide in Italy. Per the deal, the pair will share the cost and management of mobile networks in the country’s rural areas.
The joint entity, of which each operator will hold a 50% stake, will offer mobile services like 5G and ultra-fast broadband to approximately 26.8% of the Italian population.
Early reports from Italy’s Mondo Mobile Web indicated that the partnership was first being discussed in March 2022. Around that time, WindTre said it would transfer 7,000 rural mobile towers and around 50 employees to Zefiro.
