OpNet
OpNet is an Italian telecommunications company that developed from Linkem and specializes in wholesale wireless broadband infrastructure and connectivity.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
OpNet is an Italian telecommunications company whose business developed from the wireless broadband operator originally founded as Megabeam Italia in 2001. The company later adopted the Linkem name and built a nationwide fixed-wireless access network using HiperLAN, WiMAX, Wi-Fi and, later, LTE technologies. Its infrastructure was designed to provide broadband connectivity in areas where conventional fixed-line or mobile networks were less suitable, making it an alternative to traditional telecommunications networks. The company was founded by Davide Rota and other managers with support from Angel Ventures Serviços de Consultoria S.A., associated with financier Gianfilippo Cuneo. In 2003, after Telecom Italia expressed interest in acquiring Megabeam, the business changed its name to Linkem S.p.A. The proposed acquisition did not proceed because Italian antitrust requirements would have required substantial operational and access concessions, including separation of Wi-Fi activities, relinquishment of certain exclusive licences and non-discriminatory roaming access for competitors. Linkem expanded through the allocation of WiMAX spectrum in the 3.4–3.6 GHz band. In 2008, its parent company A.F.T. S.p.A. won rights covering 13 Italian regions. The resulting network made Linkem one of the first Italian operators to launch WiMAX-based broadband and voice services. The company reported coverage reaching a large share of the Italian population and operated a network of approximately 1,200 base-station sites across the country. Its service footprint extended to roughly 2,000 municipalities and about 40% of Italy’s land area, although coverage and service availability varied by location. Linkem subsequently entered a network-rental arrangement with Telecom Italia in 2010. From 2015, it began shifting parts of its access network from WiMAX toward LTE on proprietary 3.5 GHz frequencies, including a programme to replace outdoor WiMAX customer antennas. This transition reflected the wider movement of the fixed-wireless market toward higher-capacity LTE and later-generation access technologies. The company’s corporate structure changed substantially in 2022. Linkem Retail S.r.l. was merged into Tiscali S.p.A., with the relevant business transferred to Tiscali Italia S.p.A. Linkem S.p.A. became Tiscali’s majority shareholder, holding 58.60% after completion of the transaction. In September 2022, Linkem S.p.A. changed its corporate name to OpNet S.p.A. and repositioned itself toward wholesale telecommunications and infrastructure activities, while the Linkem consumer brand continued under the Tiscali group. In 2024, Wind Tre agreed to acquire OpNet’s assets, including its network infrastructure, together with the company and its subsidiaries other than Tessellis, the entity formerly known as Tiscali. The transaction was completed on 1 August 2024. As a result, OpNet’s network and wholesale capabilities became part of Wind Tre’s broader telecommunications infrastructure portfolio. The OpNet name therefore represents both the post-2022 corporate identity of the former Linkem infrastructure business and a significant phase in the development of Italy’s fixed-wireless broadband sector.
History
OpNet originated in 2001 as Megabeam Italia S.p.A., an Italian wireless-internet venture founded by Davide Rota and a management group with backing from Angel Ventures Serviços de Consultoria S.A. The business entered the market at a time when broadband availability remained uneven across Italy, particularly outside the principal urban centres. Its technological approach used wireless access systems, including HiperLAN and Wi-Fi, to connect customers and communities without relying entirely on conventional fixed-line infrastructure. In 2003, the company changed its name to Linkem S.p.A. Telecom Italia expressed interest in acquiring the business for €11.5 million. The potential transaction encountered competition-law obstacles. Italian antitrust authorities required conditions concerning the separation of Wi-Fi from other services, the treatment of exclusive licences and the opening of network access to competitors. Linkem did not accept those requirements, and the acquisition did not take place. The company’s principal expansion phase followed the development of WiMAX in Italy. In 2008, A.F.T. S.p.A., Linkem’s parent company, won the allocation of 3.4–3.6 GHz spectrum in 13 Italian regions with an offer of €34.42 million. Linkem used those frequencies to develop a national fixed-wireless broadband platform and became one of the first Italian operators to introduce WiMAX-based voice and broadband services. Its network was built around a large base-station footprint, eventually comprising approximately 1,200 antennas. The company stated that its service reached about 2,000 municipalities and approximately 40% of Italy’s land area, while its WiMAX population coverage exceeded 80% during the height of that deployment. In 2010, Telecom Italia entered into an agreement to rent Linkem’s WiMAX network. This enabled Telecom Italia to offer WiMAX connectivity in areas where Linkem operated its own network and demonstrated the value of Linkem’s infrastructure beyond its direct retail business. Linkem also pursued broad public visibility through sports sponsorships, television advertising and partnerships with Italian volleyball and basketball organisations. Technological priorities changed during the second half of the 2010s. In 2015, Linkem began activating LTE coverage on its proprietary 3.5 GHz frequencies and undertook a customer-equipment replacement programme, moving users from outdoor WiMAX antennas toward LTE-compatible installations. The change was part of the wider transition from earlier WiMAX systems to more scalable mobile-broadband technologies. A major corporate reorganisation took place between 2021 and 2022. On 30 December 2021, Tiscali and Linkem approved a project for Tiscali to absorb Linkem Retail S.r.l. Their shareholders approved the merger on 27 April 2022, and the transaction was completed on 1 August 2022. Linkem Retail’s business was transferred into Tiscali Italia S.p.A., while Linkem S.p.A. became the majority shareholder of Tiscali S.p.A. with a 58.60% interest. In September 2022, Linkem S.p.A. changed its corporate name to OpNet S.p.A. The new identity accompanied a strategic decision to concentrate on wholesale telecommunications and network infrastructure. The Linkem name continued to be used for the consumer-facing business under the Tiscali structure, separating the infrastructure company’s corporate identity from the retail brand. On 2 February 2024, Wind Tre agreed to acquire OpNet’s assets, including the company’s network infrastructure, together with OpNet and its subsidiaries other than Tessellis, the former Tiscali entity. The transaction was completed on 1 August 2024. This placed OpNet’s wireless access infrastructure within Wind Tre’s telecommunications operations. Because the available reference material does not establish whether OpNet continues as an independent operating brand after completion, its present standalone status is recorded as unknown.
- 2024
Wind Tre completes the acquisition of OpNet
[1]Wind Tre completes its acquisition of OpNet and associated infrastructure, excluding Tessellis.
- 2022
Linkem Retail is integrated into Tiscali
[1]The merger transfers Linkem Retail’s business to Tiscali Italia, while Linkem becomes Tiscali’s majority shareholder.
- 2022
Linkem adopts the OpNet name
[1]Linkem S.p.A. changes its corporate name to OpNet S.p.A. and focuses on wholesale telecommunications.
- 2015
LTE migration begins
[1]Linkem activates LTE coverage on its 3.5 GHz frequencies and starts replacing outdoor WiMAX customer equipment.
- 2010
Telecom Italia rents Linkem network capacity
[1]Telecom Italia reaches an arrangement to use Linkem’s WiMAX networks in relevant regions.
- 2008
WiMAX spectrum is allocated
[1]A.F.T. wins 3.4–3.6 GHz WiMAX frequency rights in 13 Italian regions for €34.42 million.
- 2003
The company becomes Linkem
[1]Megabeam Italia changes its corporate name to Linkem S.p.A. after an attempted Telecom Italia acquisition does not proceed.
- 2001
Megabeam Italia is founded
[1]Davide Rota and a management group establish Megabeam Italia S.p.A. to provide wireless internet connectivity in Italy.
Products and positioning
A nationwide Italian wireless broadband and telecommunications-infrastructure provider focused increasingly on wholesale connectivity, network access and underserved or difficult-to-reach areas rather than direct consumer retail under the OpNet name.
Fixed-wireless broadband · 2008
WiMAX broadband
Linkem’s WiMAX service was the company’s principal expansion platform during the late 2000s and early 2010s. It used 3.4–3.6 GHz spectrum and a distributed base-station network to provide broadband and voice services without a conventional wired last mile. The network was aimed particularly at municipalities and areas where fixed-line broadband availability was limited.
Fixed-wireless broadband · 2015
LTE fixed-wireless access
Beginning in 2015, Linkem migrated parts of its wireless access platform to LTE using proprietary 3.5 GHz frequencies. The transition included replacing outdoor WiMAX antennas at customer premises with equipment compatible with the newer radio technology. LTE provided the company with a more current platform for higher-capacity broadband access.
Telecommunications infrastructure · 2022
Wholesale network access
Under the OpNet identity, the business focused more strongly on wholesale connectivity and access to its wireless infrastructure than on direct consumer retail. The offering encompassed network capacity, infrastructure access and connectivity services for telecommunications operators and other service providers.
Marketing campaigns
- 2012National television testimonial campaign
Italy
For national television planning during 2012–2013, Linkem used Belén Rodríguez and Francesca Piccinini as advertising testimonials.
Outcome. The reference material identifies the testimonials but does not report campaign results.
- 2012Italian volleyball and basketball sponsorship programme
Italy
Linkem sponsored the San Nicola stadium in Bari, Linkem NPC Rieti basketball and the men's Serie A volleyball playoffs during the 2012–2013 period, while also serving as a FIPAV technology partner.
Outcome. The reference material does not provide quantified results.
- 2011Avezzano Rugby sponsorship
Italy
Linkem sponsored Avezzano Rugby during the 2011–2012 season.
Outcome. No campaign performance data is provided in the reference material.
- 2011Messina Volleyball sponsorship
Italy
Linkem served as an official sponsor of Messina Volleyball during the 2011–2012 season.
Outcome. No campaign performance data is provided in the reference material.
- 2010Foggia Calcio sponsorship
Italy
Linkem became an official sponsor of Foggia Calcio for the 2010–2011 Pro League championship.
Outcome. The reference material does not specify measurable campaign results.
- 2009Linkem Club Italy title sponsorship
Italy
Linkem served as title sponsor of the Italian club Linkem Club Italy during the 2009–2010 period.
Outcome. The sponsorship associated the Linkem name with Italian club sport; the reference material does not provide audience or commercial results.
Brand decisions
2024
Selling OpNet to Wind TreM&ABackground
Wind Tre sought to acquire OpNet’s network infrastructure and related subsidiaries, excluding Tessellis.
Action taken
Wind Tre agreed to acquire OpNet and its relevant assets, and completed the transaction on 1 August 2024.
Aftermath
OpNet’s wireless network infrastructure moved into Wind Tre’s telecommunications operations. The continuing status of OpNet as a standalone brand is not established by the available reference material.
2022
Completing the Linkem Retail–Tiscali mergerM&ABackground
Tiscali and Linkem sought to combine the retail activities of Linkem with Tiscali’s telecommunications business.
Action taken
Linkem Retail S.r.l. was merged into Tiscali, with the relevant business transferred to Tiscali Italia. Linkem S.p.A. became Tiscali’s majority shareholder.
Aftermath
The transaction separated the consumer retail brand from the infrastructure business that later adopted the OpNet name.
Tiscali ownership stake held by Linkem. 58.60% (After completion on 1 August 2022)
2022
Adopting the OpNet corporate identityStrategyBackground
Following the Tiscali transaction, the infrastructure business and consumer retail business required clearer strategic separation.
Action taken
Linkem S.p.A. changed its name to OpNet S.p.A. and focused on wholesale telecommunications, while the Linkem consumer brand remained active under Tiscali.
Aftermath
OpNet became the corporate identity associated with the wholesale wireless infrastructure business.
2015
Migrating from WiMAX to LTEGeneration changeBackground
Wireless broadband technology and capacity requirements were moving beyond the company’s original WiMAX platform.
Action taken
Linkem activated LTE coverage on its proprietary 3.5 GHz frequencies and began replacing outdoor WiMAX antennas.
Aftermath
The network shifted toward LTE-based fixed-wireless access, although the reference material does not quantify the migration’s commercial impact.
2008
Expanding into regional WiMAX broadbandProduct launchBackground
A.F.T. won 3.4–3.6 GHz spectrum rights in 13 Italian regions.
Action taken
Linkem used the spectrum allocation to expand WiMAX-based broadband and voice services across Italy.
Aftermath
The company became an early Italian operator of WiMAX broadband and developed a large fixed-wireless network.
Spectrum allocation offer. €34.42 million (2008)
2003
Rejecting the proposed Telecom Italia acquisitionM&ABackground
Telecom Italia indicated interest in acquiring Megabeam for €11.5 million, but Italian antitrust authorities required conditions concerning Wi-Fi separation, licensing and competitor access.
Action taken
The company did not accept the required conditions, and the proposed acquisition was not completed.
Aftermath
Megabeam subsequently operated independently and changed its name to Linkem in the same year.
Proposed acquisition value. €11.5 million (2003)
Recent events
- 2024
Wind Tre agrees to acquire OpNet assets[1]
M&A
Wind Tre signed an agreement to acquire OpNet’s assets, including its network infrastructure, and to acquire OpNet and its subsidiaries other than Tessellis.
- 2024
Wind Tre completes OpNet transaction[1]
M&A
The acquisition of OpNet and the relevant network assets by Wind Tre was completed on 1 August 2024.
- 2022
Tiscali and Linkem shareholders approve merger[1]
M&A
Shareholders of Tiscali and Linkem approved the merger, clearing the way for the integration of Linkem Retail into the Tiscali group.
- 2022
Linkem completes integration with Tiscali[1]
M&A
The merger was completed on 1 August. Linkem Retail was integrated into Tiscali, while Linkem S.p.A. became Tiscali’s majority shareholder with a 58.60% stake.
- 2022
Linkem changes corporate name to OpNet[1]
Leadership change
Linkem S.p.A. adopted the OpNet name and shifted its strategic emphasis toward the wholesale telecommunications market. The Linkem consumer brand remained active under Tiscali’s control.
- 2021
Tiscali and Linkem approve merger project[1]
M&A
Tiscali and Linkem approved the project for the merger by incorporation of Linkem Retail S.r.l. into Tiscali S.p.A.
- 2015
Linkem begins LTE network transition[1]
Product generation
Linkem activated LTE coverage on its 3.5 GHz frequencies and launched a programme to replace outdoor customer antennas previously used for WiMAX access.
- 2010
Telecom Italia and Linkem agree on WiMAX network rental[1]
Other
Telecom Italia reached an agreement to rent Linkem’s WiMAX networks and provide WiMAX services in regions where Linkem operated its own infrastructure.
- 2008
Linkem wins WiMAX spectrum allocation[1]
Product launch · Other
Linkem’s parent company A.F.T. won rights to use 3.4–3.6 GHz WiMAX frequencies in 13 Italian regions for €34.42 million, supporting the expansion of its national wireless broadband network.
- 2003
Telecom Italia considers acquiring Megabeam[1]
M&A · Regulation
Telecom Italia indicated interest in acquiring Megabeam, but the transaction did not proceed after antitrust conditions relating to Wi-Fi separation, licensing and competitor network access were not accepted.
Sources1 sources
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