Italian mobile network operator, iliad Italia (iliad), headquartered in Milan, and Boca Raton, FL-based Phoenix Tower International (PTI) have launched a new strategic partnership to deploy passive mobile telecom infrastructure. The deal is intended to enable iliad to accelerate the densification of its 4G/5G mobile network.
As part of the planned transaction, iliad will enter into long-term service agreements with PTI that will include the transfer of passive infrastructure sites through a multi-year build-to-suit program involving up to 1,900 new locations, primarily in densely- and medium-populated areas. PTI can also provide third-party colocations and other ancillary services on those sites. Through this agreement, iliad will secure long-term access to these new sites on preferential terms. At the same time, iliad will own and manage its active network equipment installed at these sites.
With over 10 million of Italy’s roughly 93 million mobile subscribers, iliad is the fourth MNO in the country behind TIM (NYSE: TIMB), Vodafone Italy (NASDAQ: VOD), and WindTre, according to Inside Towers Intelligence.
PTI currently operates over 2,000 sites in Italy. INWIT, which is 50 percent owned by Vantage Towers, is Italy’s largest towerco with 24,300 towers, followed by Cellnex (MC: CLNX) with 22,572 towers, as of the end of 2Q24.
“We are thrilled to enter into this strategic partnership with Iliad in Italy, a dynamic and innovative player in the telecommunications sector,” comments Dagan Kasavana, PTI CEO. “This transaction is perfectly aligned with our European growth strategy and enables us to strengthen our footprint in Italy. We look forward to supporting Iliad Group’s continued success and growth in this market and others.”
The partnership agreement is subject to customary regulatory conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2024.
By John Celentano, Redattore Commerciale di Inside Towers
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