Fastweb

Fastweb S.p.A. is an Italian telecommunications company headquartered in Milan. Founded in 1999 as a joint venture between e.Biscom and Milan utility AEM, it was established to build an alternative fiber-optic network and deliver Internet Protocol-based telecommunications services in Italy. The company’s original proposition was technologically distinctive: voice, broadband data and video could be carried over a common IP and fiber infrastructure rather than through separate legacy systems. This foundation made Fastweb one of the country’s most important challengers to the incumbent fixed-line operator and helped establish fiber broadband as a central part of the Italian communications market. Fastweb’s business serves residential customers, professionals, small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations, wholesale telecommunications operators and public administrations. Its principal consumer services include fixed broadband, fixed voice, mobile voice and data, Wi-Fi and related digital services. Historically, Fastweb also offered IPTV and bundled triple-play packages combining fixed telephony, Internet access and television. The company’s business portfolio has expanded beyond retail access into cloud computing, data-center and managed services, cybersecurity, unified communications, digital transformation and connectivity for government institutions. Business and public-sector activities have long represented an important part of its commercial identity, distinguishing Fastweb from operators focused primarily on consumer mobile services. The company initially developed its own fiber network in Milan and subsequently expanded into Rome, Genoa, Turin, Naples, Bologna and other Italian cities. In 2000, its parent e.Biscom became a publicly traded company on Italy’s Nuovo Mercato to help finance network expansion. In 2002, Fastweb completed major fiber deployment in Milan. In 2004, e.Biscom reorganized around its telecommunications operations and adopted the Fastweb name, reflecting the stronger market recognition of the operating brand. By the middle of the decade, Fastweb had become Italy’s leading alternative broadband provider, with a substantial customer base and nationwide ambitions. Swisscom acquired a controlling 82.4 percent stake in Fastweb in 2007 for approximately €3 billion and later acquired the remaining shares through a tender and squeeze-out process. Fastweb was consequently delisted from the Borsa Italiana and became a wholly owned Swisscom subsidiary. Under Swisscom, the company continued to invest in fiber access, business connectivity and next-generation networks. It introduced 100 Mbit/s services for business users in 2008 and residential users in 2010, entered mobile as an MVNO in 2008, became a full MVNO using TIM’s network in the following decade, and obtained a 5G operator license in 2019. It also developed network-sharing and wholesale arrangements with other Italian operators and participated in infrastructure ventures such as Flash Fiber. Fastweb’s network strategy has combined proprietary fiber, wholesale access, fiber-to-the-home, fiber-to-the-cabinet and fixed-wireless access. The company has progressively added gigabit-class services, including Ultra FWA and higher-speed FTTH offerings. Its infrastructure and enterprise capabilities have supported a strong role in public connectivity tenders and central government communications. In 2018, Fastweb acquired Tiscali’s fixed-wireless business and associated 3.5 GHz spectrum, strengthening its position in wireless broadband and future 5G deployment. The company entered the electricity market in 2024 as part of a broader effort to build a wider household-services proposition. The same year, Swisscom agreed to acquire Vodafone Italy for €8 billion with the intention of combining it with Fastweb. The acquisition closed on December 31, 2024, and the legal merger by incorporation became effective on January 1, 2026. The enlarged business opera…

Fastweb was created in Milan in 1999 as a joint venture between e.Biscom and AEM, with the purpose of constructing an alternative fiber-optic network and delivering IP-based telecommunications. The founding concept was to use a common digital network for voice, data and video, allowing the company to offer broadband Internet, telephony and television through a single connection. This architecture gave Fastweb an early technological identity and helped it challenge Italy’s established fixed-line operators. In March 2000, e.Biscom listed on Italy’s Nuovo Mercato to raise capital for metropolitan fiber construction. Fastweb began commercial expansion from Milan and by 2002 had completed substantial fiber cabling there while extending its presence to Rome, Genoa, Turin, Naples and Bologna. Its early deployments were significant because they brought fiber-based broadband directly to consumers and businesses in urban areas rather than limiting fiber to backbone infrastructure. Fastweb also developed a reputation for integrating fixed voice, Internet and television services into triple-play packages. The relationship between e.Biscom and Fastweb was reorganized in 2004. The two companies approved a merger process intended to simplify the group and concentrate resources on fixed broadband telecommunications. Following the transaction, e.Biscom adopted the Fastweb name, reflecting the commercial strength of the operating brand. During the following years, Fastweb expanded its fixed network and became one of Italy’s leading alternative broadband providers. By 2006, its network reportedly reached approximately 45 percent of the Italian population, and the company had more than one million customers. It also won public-sector connectivity contracts, including tenders associated with Consip and the national public connectivity system. Swisscom entered Fastweb in 2007 by acquiring a controlling 82.4 percent stake for approximately €3 billion. The acquisition gave Swisscom an Italian platform for broadband, multimedia and enterprise communications, while Fastweb gained the backing of a larger international telecommunications group. Swisscom later acquired the remaining shares through a voluntary tender and related compulsory-purchase process. Fastweb was delisted from the Borsa Italiana in 2010 and continued as a wholly owned Swisscom subsidiary. Under Swisscom ownership, Fastweb continued to increase network capacity and service breadth. In 2008, it introduced connections of up to 100 Mbit/s for small and medium-sized enterprises in areas covered by its fiber network. It also entered mobile telecommunications in September 2008 as an MVNO, adding mobile voice and data to its fixed-line portfolio and creating a quadruple-play proposition. In 2009, the company agreed with Telecom Italia to cooperate on next-generation fiber infrastructure. In 2010, the Fibra 100 offer brought speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s to residential customers and small businesses in several major cities. Fastweb’s network evolution continued through a mix of FTTH, FTTC, wholesale access and fixed wireless. In 2012, it announced an expansion plan targeting millions of households with FTTH and FTTC services. In 2015, it signed an agreement with Telecom Italia to operate as a full MVNO with access to 4G and 4G+ services. In 2016, Fastweb and Telecom Italia created Flash Fiber to develop FTTH networks in multiple Italian cities. In 2017, Fastweb operated its own mobile core as a full MVNO, while in 2019 it reached an agreement with Wind Tre to cooperate on 5G development and obtained an MNO license, becoming Italy’s fifth mobile network operator. In 2018, Fastweb acquired Tiscali’s fixed-wireless business and its 3.5 GHz spectrum. This expanded its wireless-broadband capabilities and gave the company additional spectrum relevant to future 5G services. In 2020, Fastweb launched Ultra FWA with speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s and upgraded selected FTTH services to 2.5 Gbit/s. It also contributed its interest in Flash Fiber to FiberCop in exchange for a minority holding in the new wholesale infrastructure company. Fastweb has simultaneously maintained a strong enterprise and public-sector business. Its portfolio includes managed connectivity, cloud, data-center, cybersecurity, unified communications and digital-transformation services. Public administrations and central government agencies have used Fastweb for fixed network, voice and data services. This business orientation has made corporate and government connectivity an important component of the company’s revenues and strategic positioning. Fastweb’s recent history has been shaped by Swisscom’s acquisition of Vodafone Italy. Swisscom agreed in March 2024 to acquire Vodafone Italy for €8 billion, subject to regulatory approvals, with the intention of combining it with Fastweb. The transaction closed on December 31, 2024. On January 1, 2026, Vodafone Italia S.p.A. was legally merged into Fastweb S.p.A., making Fastweb the surviving legal entity. The enlarged operation adopted Fastweb + Vodafone as its corporate identity, while continuing to use Fastweb, Vodafone and ho. as commercial brands during a planned transition. The Vodafone brand is licensed for a limited period and is expected to be phased down gradually by 2029. Fastweb therefore remains an active Italian brand, but its corporate scope now includes the integrated fixed-mobile operations created through the Vodafone transaction.

1. 2026Vodafone Italia is legally merged into Fastweb

   The merger by incorporation becomes effective on January 1, 2026, creating the legal foundation for the Fastweb + Vodafone operation.

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2. 2024Swisscom agrees to acquire Vodafone Italy

   Swisscom signs an agreement to acquire Vodafone Italy for €8 billion and plans to combine it with Fastweb.

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3. 2024Fastweb sells its FiberCop stake

   Fastweb agrees to sell its 4.5 percent FiberCop interest to a KKR-controlled vehicle for €438.7 million in cash.

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4. 2020Ultra FWA and multi-gigabit FTTH services are introduced

   Fastweb launches fixed-wireless access with speeds up to 1 Gbit/s and upgrades selected fiber services to 2.5 Gbit/s.

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5. 2019Fastweb obtains a 5G operator license

   Fastweb becomes Italy’s fifth mobile network operator with authorization to operate a 5G network.

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6. 2018Fastweb acquires Tiscali’s fixed-wireless business

   The acquisition includes Tiscali’s fixed-wireless activities and 3.5 GHz spectrum, strengthening Fastweb’s wireless broadband and 5G position.

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7. 2016Flash Fiber is created with Telecom Italia

   Fastweb and Telecom Italia establish a joint venture to develop FTTH infrastructure in multiple Italian cities.

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8. 2015Fastweb becomes a full MVNO using TIM infrastructure

   An agreement with Telecom Italia gives Fastweb greater control over its mobile service and access to 4G and 4G+ coverage.

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9. 2010Fastweb is delisted and launches residential 100 Mbit/s broadband

   Swisscom completes the acquisition of minority shares, leading to delisting, while Fastweb introduces Fibra 100 for residential customers and small businesses.

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10. 2008Fastweb enters mobile and launches 100 Mbit/s business connectivity

    Fastweb begins mobile operations as an MVNO and introduces up to 100 Mbit/s connections for business customers in fiber-served areas.

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11. 2007Swisscom acquires control of Fastweb

    Swisscom acquires an 82.4 percent controlling stake in Fastweb for approximately €3 billion.

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12. 2006Fastweb expands broadband coverage and wins public-sector contracts

    The company reaches a substantial share of Italy’s population with broadband and becomes a supplier to public authorities through national connectivity tenders.

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13. 2004e.Biscom adopts the Fastweb name

    The group completes its corporate reorganization around the Fastweb telecommunications business and changes its name to Fastweb.

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14. 2002Major Milan fiber deployment is completed

    Fastweb completes substantial fiber cabling in Milan and expands its presence in other major Italian cities.

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15. 2000e.Biscom lists on Italy’s Nuovo Mercato

    The parent company becomes publicly traded to raise capital for the expansion of its fiber-optic network in major Italian cities.

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16. 1999Fastweb is founded in Milan

    e.Biscom and AEM establish Fastweb as a joint venture to develop fiber-optic infrastructure and IP-based telecommunications services in Italy.

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A technology-led Italian challenger and convergent telecommunications provider, positioned around high-speed fiber, mobile connectivity, enterprise ICT, public-sector infrastructure and digital transformation.

• Fastweb FibraFixed broadband1999

  Fastweb’s fixed broadband portfolio is built around fiber access, including FTTH and FTTC services, with wholesale and legacy xDSL options in areas not covered by its own fiber. The offer has progressed from early metropolitan fiber connections to ultrafast consumer and business packages, including 100 Mbit/s, 1 Gbit/s and selected multi-gigabit services. Fastweb combines its own infrastructure with third-party access arrangements to provide nationwide availability.

• Fastweb MobileMobile telecommunications2008

  Fastweb Mobile is the company’s mobile voice and data service. Launched in 2008 as an MVNO, it later operated as a full MVNO with its own mobile core and used partner networks for broad 4G and 5G coverage. The service is sold to consumers, professionals and businesses and is often bundled with Fastweb fixed broadband. Following the Vodafone Italy integration, mobile operations are being progressively aligned with the enlarged Fastweb + Vodafone platform.

• Fastweb 5G5G mobile and wireless broadband2019

  Fastweb’s 5G proposition grew from spectrum acquisitions, network trials and a 2019 mobile-network license. The company has used partnerships and shared infrastructure to deliver 5G connectivity while developing its own network capabilities. The offer supports mobile services and complements fixed wireless access, particularly in locations where fiber deployment is more difficult.

• Ultra FWAFixed wireless access2020

  Ultra FWA is Fastweb’s fixed-wireless broadband service, introduced to extend high-speed access beyond areas directly served by FTTH or FTTC. The service uses wireless access infrastructure to provide home and business connectivity and was introduced with advertised speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s. It forms part of Fastweb’s mixed technology strategy for broad Italian coverage.

• Fastweb IPTV and TV bundlesIPTV and convergent services2001

  Fastweb historically offered IPTV and triple-play packages combining fixed telephony, broadband Internet and television through a single IP connection. The company also developed partnerships that linked broadband and fixed-voice services with external television propositions. These services helped establish Fastweb’s early identity as a convergent, multimedia operator.

• Fastweb Enterprise and Public SectorBusiness telecommunications and ICT1999

  Fastweb’s enterprise portfolio includes fixed and mobile connectivity, wholesale access, cloud computing, managed ICT, cybersecurity, data-center services, unified communications and digital-transformation support. The company also supplies fixed network, voice and data services to public administrations and central government bodies. This business line is strategically important and has historically generated a substantial share of Fastweb’s commercial activity.

• ho.Mobile sub-brand2018

  ho. is a low-cost Italian mobile brand originally created by Vodafone Italy to compete in the value segment, particularly after Iliad entered the Italian market. Following the legal merger of Vodafone Italia into Fastweb on January 1, 2026, ownership of the brand passed into the Fastweb-controlled corporate structure. ho. continues to be treated as a commercial brand rather than as the Fastweb masterbrand.

• 2020Tu sei futuro

  Italy

  Fastweb adopted the positioning line “Tu sei futuro,” or “You are future,” to associate its services with digital transformation, innovation, inclusion and a more sustainable future. Jannik Sinner became a prominent brand ambassador from December 2020.

  Outcome. Shifted communication from a narrow speed claim toward future-oriented digital progress and personal empowerment.

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• 2018Filippo Tortu campaign

  Italy

  Italian sprinter Filippo Tortu became a Fastweb testimonial as the brand continued to use young sporting talent to communicate speed, progress and national relevance.

  Outcome. Extended Fastweb’s sports and performance-oriented brand identity.

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• 2016Usain Bolt campaign

  Italy

  Fastweb featured sprinter Usain Bolt in advertising that linked the company with speed, responsiveness and high performance, reinforcing the central promise of fast connectivity.

  Outcome. Reinforced Fastweb’s speed-focused positioning during the expansion of broadband and mobile services.

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• 2014Mika campaign

  Italy

  Singer Mika was used as a later Fastweb advertising personality, continuing the brand’s practice of connecting telecommunications offers with high-profile entertainment figures and an energetic, contemporary identity.

  Outcome. Maintained the brand’s entertainment-led national advertising approach.

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• 2011George Clooney brand campaign

  Italy

  George Clooney became Fastweb’s principal advertising testimonial in a campaign designed to broaden the company’s image from a fast, youthful challenger to a mature, reliable and widely trusted telecommunications provider.

  Outcome. Expanded Fastweb’s mass-market image and supported promotion of fixed broadband and voice packages.

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• 2006Un passo avanti with Valentino Rossi

  Italy

  Fastweb used motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi as the face of a campaign built around speed, technical expertise, ambition and being one step ahead. The creative connected Rossi’s competitive image with Fastweb’s claims as a fast-moving technology company.

  Outcome. Strengthened Fastweb’s association with speed, performance and technological leadership.

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• 2001FastWeb, vorrete dirlo a tutti

  Italy

  Fastweb’s first national television advertising activity promoted the new broadband brand and its ambition to make high-speed Internet and integrated communications broadly appealing to Italian households and businesses.

  Outcome. Established early national awareness for Fastweb as an innovative broadband challenger.

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• 2026Complete the legal merger with Vodafone ItaliaGeneration change

  Following the 2024 acquisition, Swisscom needed to consolidate the two Italian legal entities while preserving commercial continuity for customers using the Fastweb, Vodafone and ho. brands.

  What changed. Vodafone Italia S.p.A. was merged by incorporation into Fastweb S.p.A. effective January 1, 2026. The corporate identity Fastweb + Vodafone was used for the combined operation.

  Aftermath. Fastweb became the surviving company, with a unified governance structure and a broader fixed-mobile network and customer base. Vodafone remains a licensed commercial brand during a transition expected to last up to five years.

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• 2024Sell Fastweb’s FiberCop stakeM&A

  Fastweb reassessed its infrastructure holdings while the Italian fixed-network market continued to consolidate around wholesale infrastructure platforms.

  What changed. Fastweb agreed to sell its entire 4.5 percent interest in FiberCop to Optics BidCo, a vehicle controlled by KKR.

  Aftermath. The sale released cash and reduced Fastweb’s direct equity exposure to FiberCop while leaving it able to obtain network access through commercial arrangements.

  Cash consideration. €438.7 million (Announced June 2024; effective July 1, 2024)

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• 2024Acquire Vodafone Italy through SwisscomM&A

  Swisscom sought to create a larger convergent Italian operator by combining Vodafone Italy’s mobile scale with Fastweb’s fixed broadband, enterprise and fiber capabilities.

  What changed. Swisscom agreed to acquire 100 percent of Vodafone Italy for €8 billion. The acquisition closed on December 31, 2024, followed by legal integration into Fastweb on January 1, 2026.

  Aftermath. Fastweb became the surviving legal entity of the merger and the enlarged business began operating corporately as Fastweb + Vodafone, while the Vodafone and ho. brands remained in commercial use during the transition.

  Acquisition consideration. €8 billion (Agreement announced March 15, 2024; acquisition completed December 31, 2024)

  • TIM — TIM remained one of the principal competitors in the enlarged Italian fixed and mobile telecommunications market; no specific reaction is recorded in the supplied source material.
  • Wind Tre — Wind Tre remained a major competitor and historical network partner of Fastweb; no specific reaction to the acquisition is recorded in the supplied source material.
  • Iliad — Iliad remained a major Italian mobile competitor, particularly in the value segment; no specific reaction to the acquisition is recorded in the supplied source material.
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• 2018Acquire Tiscali’s fixed-wireless business and spectrumM&A

  Fastweb needed additional wireless access capabilities and spectrum to complement its fixed fiber network and prepare for 5G development.

  What changed. Fastweb acquired Tiscali’s fixed-wireless business and associated 3.5 GHz spectrum.

  Aftermath. The transaction strengthened Fastweb’s fixed-wireless footprint and spectrum position ahead of its 5G rollout.

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• 2007Swisscom acquires control of FastwebM&A

  Swisscom sought an Italian platform to strengthen its exposure to broadband, multimedia and next-generation communications.

  What changed. Swisscom acquired an 82.4 percent controlling stake in Fastweb for approximately €3 billion and later pursued the remaining shares.

  Aftermath. Fastweb became a Swisscom subsidiary, gained long-term financial and strategic backing, and continued operating under its Italian brand.

  Acquisition consideration. €3 billion (2007)

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• 2004Adopt the Fastweb corporate name after the e.Biscom mergerStrategy

  The e.Biscom group sought to simplify its structure and focus on fixed broadband telecommunications. The Fastweb operating brand had become more recognized in the market than the e.Biscom corporate name.

  What changed. The company completed the merger-related reorganization and changed its corporate name to Fastweb, aligning the legal identity with the commercial brand.

  Aftermath. Fastweb became the principal corporate and consumer-facing identity of the group and continued expanding as an alternative Italian broadband operator.

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• 2010Fastweb-related VAT fraud and money-laundering investigationControversy

  Italian judicial authorities investigated transactions involving Fastweb, Telecom Italia Sparkle and third parties over alleged VAT fraud, fictitious international telecommunications deals and money laundering. Former Fastweb executives and founder Silvio Scaglia were among those investigated or subject to legal action. Fastweb stated that the suspected conduct involved third parties using its network, that the company considered itself a damaged party, and that it had acted in compliance with applicable rules. Stefano Parisi temporarily suspended himself as CEO while the matter was investigated. In 2013, Scaglia and other Fastweb-linked managers were acquitted of the tax-fraud allegations reported in connection with the case.

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• 2026Fastweb and Vodafone Italia become one legal company

  The merger by incorporation became legally effective on January 1, 2026. Fastweb S.p.A. became the surviving legal entity, while Fastweb, Vodafone and ho. continued as commercial brands during the integration period.

  M&A
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• 2026Luigi Ferraris joins the Fastweb + Vodafone board

  Luigi Ferraris was appointed Executive Vice President and joined the board of Fastweb + Vodafone, adding senior infrastructure and industrial-management experience to the enlarged company.

  Leadership change
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• 2025Swisscom completes acquisition of Vodafone Italy

  Swisscom announced completion of the acquisition of Vodafone Italy, creating a larger Italian telecommunications platform alongside Fastweb.

  M&A
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• 2024Swisscom completes acquisition of Vodafone Italia and begins Fastweb integration

  Swisscom completed its €8 billion acquisition of Vodafone Italia on December 31, 2024, with the stated objective of combining the business with Fastweb and creating a larger convergent Italian operator.

  M&A
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• 2024Fastweb launches electricity-market operations

  Fastweb expanded beyond telecommunications by entering the Italian electricity market, broadening its consumer-services proposition.

  Product launch
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• 2024Fastweb sells its FiberCop stake to a KKR-controlled vehicle

  Fastweb announced the sale of its entire 4.5 percent stake in FiberCop to Optics BidCo, a vehicle controlled by KKR, for €438.7 million in cash; the transaction became effective on July 1, 2024.

  M&A
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• 2024Swisscom agrees to acquire Vodafone Italy

  Swisscom announced an agreement to acquire Vodafone's Italian business and combine it with Fastweb, subject to regulatory and other conditions.

  M&A
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• 2023Fastweb names Walter Renna as chief executive

  Fastweb appointed Walter Renna as chief executive following a leadership transition in its Italian business.

  Leadership change
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• 2019Fastweb becomes Italy’s fifth 5G mobile network operator

  Fastweb obtained a license to operate a 5G mobile network, moving beyond its earlier MVNO role and strengthening its position in Italian mobile telecommunications.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2018Fastweb acquires Tiscali’s fixed-wireless business and 3.5 GHz spectrum

  Fastweb acquired Tiscali’s fixed-wireless business and related 3.5 GHz spectrum, supporting its broadband and future 5G strategy.

  M&AProduct generation
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• 2010Fastweb launches 100 Mbit/s residential Fibra 100 service

  Fastweb introduced residential broadband speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s in several major Italian cities, extending ultrafast access to consumers and small businesses.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2008Fastweb begins mobile service as an MVNO

  Fastweb launched mobile voice and data services as a mobile virtual network operator, integrating mobile plans with its fixed broadband bundles.

  Product launch
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1. Fastweb (telecommunications company)
2. Fastweb - History and Innovation
3. Fastweb Group Structure
4. Fastweb + Vodafone Executive Committee
5. Fastweb and Vodafone Italia merge
6. Swisscom annual results and Fastweb + Vodafone integration
7. e.Biscom becomes Fastweb
8. Fastweb disclosure on the 2010 investigation
9. Fastweb becomes a full MVNO using TIM infrastructure
10. FastWeb, vorrete dirlo a tutti
11. Un passo avanti with Valentino Rossi
12. George Clooney brand campaign
13. Fastweb founder Silvio Scaglia acquitted in tax-fraud case
14. Luigi Ferraris joins the Fastweb + Vodafone board
15. Swisscom completes acquisition of Vodafone Italy
16. Swisscom agrees to acquire Vodafone Italy
17. Fastweb names Walter Renna as chief executive