Telecom Italia (TIM) and Fastweb+Vodafone have this week announced the signing of a 5G network sharing agreement.

The aim of the agreement is to speed up the rollout of 5G across Italy.

As such, the planned agreement will see the two telcos cooperate on the development of mobile access networks through a Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing model.

The project will require approval from Italy’s Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT), the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM), and the Italian Communications Authority (AGCom).

According to the two carriers, the sharing agreement “represents an important step forward in the efficient use of existing infrastructure and will enable broader and more sustainable 5G coverage.”

As part of the agreement, each operator will be able to use the other’s mobile radio access infrastructure in the areas concerned, avoiding the duplication of infrastructure.

“The efficiencies generated will make it possible to extend high-performance 5G network coverage to underserved low-density areas, improving digital inclusion and service quality for households and businesses,” said TIM in its announcement.

Fastweb+Vodafone, taking on its new name following Swisscom’s acquisition of Vodafone last year, stated that along with TIM, the telcos plan to deploy 5G coverage for municipalities with less than 35,000 inhabitants.

“Each operator will be responsible for network development in 10 regions leading to a network of approximately 15,500 sites per operator by the end of 2028,” noted Fastweb+Vodafone.

Network infrastructure sharing isn’t a new thing. In the UK, the four main mobile operators are part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) which aims to support some of the country’s most remote areas. Elsewhere in Australia, Optus and TPG Telecom signed a regional network-sharing agreement in 2024.