Colt combines LEO satellite and 5G in latest offering


Press Release

Colt Technology Services (Colt), the global digital infrastructure company, today announced an expansion to its technology portfolio with Managed LEO+, a new managed service which integrates Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity with cellular 4G/5G.  Managed LEO+, now available to Colt customers across 65 countries, brings a greater choice of networking technologies to businesses with operations – such as production facilities, manufacturing sites and retail locations – in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The new service complements Colt’s fibre connectivity by providing businesses with alternative back-up options for their infrastructure and is ideal for organisations looking for rapid deployment*.

Managed LEO+ is launched following a successful trial with a global biopharmaceutical company which has operations in 30 countries, some of which are in rural locations previously underserved by network providers. The company needed a secure, sustainable, futureproof digital infrastructure to connect and integrate its operations; to run tools and applications; and to share data between sites in areas such as research and development and supply chain management.

The company required consistently high levels of performance and reliability, regardless of whether they were located in urban or rural areas. Colt’s managed LEO 4G/5G network met these requirements and more, enabling efficient remote access, improving collaboration and ensuring robust levels of regulatory compliance.

Managed LEO+ demonstrates Colt’s commitment to delivering innovative connectivity solutions which address the unique needs of its customers while maintaining business continuity in the most challenging environments.

Annette Murphy, chief commercial officer, Colt Technology Services said, “Businesses with operations in remote and hard-to-reach areas are disadvantaged by patchy, low-quality access to their enterprise networks. This isn’t just frustrating for them: it slows progress, stifles innovation and excludes them from the digital economy. Our new Managed LEO+ service complements our existing fibre network and provides an exciting new option for high-performing, secure network access – and it’s fully managed by Colt, so businesses benefit from our mission to remove complexity and make life easier for them”.

Colt’s expansive global network spans four continents, with a land-based network in 40 countries and ten subsea systems, including subsea cables and landing stations.

Managed LEO + completes Colt’s trio of digital infrastructure across land, sea, and low Earth orbit, offering wide coverage and secure, low-latency networks to help global businesses succeed.


*The site survey determines the optimal location for the satellite antenna and establishes the required works guidelines to install the necessary equipment. Following approval of the works by the customer or site owner, the deployment is scheduled taking no more than 24 hours including installation, commissioning and testing.

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to the Total Telecom newsletter

Also in the news:
Navigating the depths: Strategies for delivering successful subsea cable projects
Vodafone–Three reveals leadership team
French energy giant EDF offers up land for data centre projects

The Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition: A central point of contact for submarine cable landings in the Netherlands


Contributed Article

The centrally located Netherlands is well-known as an important digital hub. There is a tremendous density of datacenters, a strong digital economy and an excellent digital infrastructure, both by sea and by land to the European hinterland. With its world-class connectivity and strategic position, the country offers unparalleled opportunities for digital infrastructure development. The Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition* aims to foster international collaboration and emphasize and further strengthen the Dutch position as a digital hub.

Unique support for landing sea cables in the Netherlands

The coalition is a unique public-private partnership with top-level partners from the business community, infrastructure, datacenters, wholesale end users, knowledge institutions and different levels of government. The coalition supports new cable initiatives by sharing knowledge about the Dutch ecosystem, connecting with relevant parties and offering support for navigating the regulatory and licensing system in the Netherlands. The coalition is committed to guiding landing parties every step of the way and is the first stop to getting support in navigating the Dutch landscape en-route to a successful landing of a subsea cable in the Netherlands.

2024: A milestone year for the Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition

2024 was a very productive year for the coalition. First off, all Dutch coastal provinces joined the coalition, thereby providing direct lines to all relevant governmental organizations, wherever subsea cables wish to land in the Netherlands.  Besides strengthening the support and reach of the coalition internally, there are also exciting developments internationally.

Martin Prins, the ambassador of the Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition, says: ‘We are currently working on cable routes with various consortia. Off course we are supporting the IOEMA initiative, which is planned to land on two locations on the Dutch coast. We connect them with the relevant people, whether that is with government authorities for permitting procedures or market parties for collaboration.’

Furthermore, the coalition is currently in advanced talks with entities from several other European countries to develop a means to collaborate on a new, extensive and unique cable system. Stay informed by finding Dutch Coalition members at events such as Submarine Networks, connecting through email or signing up for our Webinar later this year.

Further streamlining and lowering the threshold for landing in the Netherlands

In addition to directly assisting international consortia, the coalition is also actively working on projects in the Netherlands that make landing simpler and more attractive. In the first quarter of 2025 a special ‘service counter’ will be launched by the Dutch Enterprise Agency, commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. All consortia interested in landing in the Netherlands can connect to one project guide who will be their point of contact and help in centrally coordinating permitting processes. By integrally instead of sequentally pursuing permits, this unique service will significantly reduce the processing times for permitting applications.

Peter van Burgel, CEO of AMS-IX: “The Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition is undertaking significant steps in further facilitating submarine cable systems to the Netherlands. We are happy that we are actively collaborating on further strengthening the leading position of the Netherlands as digital hub and digital gateway to Europe.”

The Dutch government is ‘future-focused and supportive’

Landing and properly maintaining sea cables is also on the political agenda. The Dutch government realizes emphasizes that the digital infrastructure, including maritime cables, should not be taken for granted. It requires continuous efforts from both companies and the government to keep the digital infrastructure innovative, high-quality, affordable, resilient, safe, sustainable and attractive for investors.

“The Dutch government’s plan is to invest more in digital infrastructure in the coming years,” says Martin Prins. ‘That is of course a positive development for us, because we want to continue to encourage submarine cable landings. But it is also a good time for external parties to make landings.’

Looking forward to meeting you at Submarine Networks

Dutch Subsea Coalition ambassador Martin Prins, together with his colleagues Aldert de Jongste (Coalition Strategist) and Björn Oosterwijk (Gereral Secretary), and other coalition members representing the Netherlands, will be present at the Submarine Networks Event in London, February 2025. During the News in Brief sessions on Tuesday February 18th at 10:50, Martin will further discuss the coalition and the proposition of the Netherlands. Don’t miss his unique insights!

Martin Prins: ‘It is clear that the Netherlands is “open for business”. We will further introduce our coalition to the international submarine cable community and inform interested parties about the possibilities that the Netherlands and the Subsea Cable Coalition can offer.’ 

*The Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition is a collaboration of: ABN AMRO, AMS-IX, Digital Realty, Dutch Datacenter Association (DDA), Equinix, Eurofiber, Fiber Carrier Association (FCA), KPN, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, i3D.net, InnovationQuarter, Liberty Global, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), NL-IX, Relined, Rijkswaterstaat, Stichting DiNL, Stratix, SURF and WorldStream.

Join the Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition at Booth 13 at Submarine Networks EMEA, the world’s largest submarine connectivity event taking place this week! 

Startup Stories: Introducing construction management platform OciusX


Startup Stories

Introducing OciusX, a next-generation construction management platform revolutionising fibre rollout projects with real-time progress tracking, geo-tagged data, and seamless closeout documentation

Tell us about OciusX

OciusX provides an intuitive and field-friendly construction management platform designed specifically for fibre network deployments. By enabling real-time progress tracking, automated closeout packages, and seamless communication between field teams and management, we help service providers and general contractors improve efficiency, reduce costly delays, and maintain high-quality standards. In an industry where time is money, OciusX ensures projects stay on track with unparalleled transparency and control.

What was the inspiration behind OciusX?

The telecom construction industry has traditionally relied on outdated, fragmented tools for project management, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and miscommunication. After witnessing these pain points firsthand whilst building a construction company in Sweden, we started building an internal tool to manage these problems. The intention was never to build commercial software, but the combination of our background in technology together with a deep understanding of fibre network deployment, ultimately lead to OciusX becoming a very powerful tool, built by fibre guys, for fibre guys.

What have been the biggest challenges and successes so far?

Since launching, OciusX has rapidly gained traction, proving the demand for a specialised construction management platform tailored to fibre rollout. One of our biggest successes has been onboarding key customers in the U.S., including major internet service providers and contractors, who have experienced increased efficiency and cost savings using our platform.

Challenges have included navigating the complexities of enterprise sales in the telecom sector and educating potential clients on the value of adopting new digital workflows. However, by consistently delivering results and optimising our product based on customer feedback, we’ve successfully built a strong reputation in the industry.

Where do you see the company a year from now?

In the next year, we aim to expand our presence in the U.S. market, onboarding more major fibre network operators and contractors. We also plan to introduce AI-driven insights to further automate project tracking and quality assurance. Our goal is to become the go-to software for fibre construction management and expand into adjacent industries like power and utility infrastructure.

What are you most looking forward to about exhibiting at Connected America?

Connected America is a key event for the fibre and broadband industry, bringing together the top players shaping the future of connectivity. We’re excited to showcase OciusX to industry leaders, demonstrate how our platform is driving efficiency in fibre rollout, and connect with potential customers and partners. This event is an incredible opportunity to network, gain insights, and reinforce OciusX’s position as a leader in fiber construction management technology.

Join OciusX and the booming startup community at Connected America 2025 live in Dallas, Texas


Company Details:

HQ Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Number of Employees: 9

Funding: Seed-funded, no additional funding needed

Website: https://www.ociusx.com/

Founders: Tim Axelsson (CEO), Marcus Torvang (CTO), Pär Cedergren (Chairman), Andreas Gustavsson.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ociusx

China Telecom announces early completion of Asia Direct Cable project 


News 

The Asia Direct Cable (ADC) system is now fully operational, two months ahead of schedule 

The ADC, developed by a consortium of companies including China Telecom, China Unicom, Singtel, SoftBank, Tata Communications, and Viettel, is the first new submarine cable introduced in the Asia-Pacific in over eight years.  

The cable spans approximately 10,000km, connecting China, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and has a capacity of over 160 Tbps. 

The submarine cable aims to boost connectivity in region and support growing network capacity demands. With existing cable resources increasingly stretched, the activation of ADC capacity is expected to ease congestion and support the expansion of services such as cloud computing and big data analytics. 

The wet plant of the ADC was marked ready for service last November, with the dry plant section announced as fully operational this week.  

China Telecom, serving as Co-chair of the ADC Consortium, coordinated efforts among stakeholders, despite delay challenges. faced long delays. 

The ADC’s launch is expected to enhance digital infrastructure in Asia-Pacific, supporting technology development and digital transformation across industries. As demand for reliable, high-speed connectivity grows, China Telecom continues to expand its global network.  

Keep up with all the latest cable news at Submarine Networks EMEA, the world’s largest submarine connectivity event live in London next week! Tickets available here 

Also in the news:
Bridging AI and global connectivity: The rise of hybrid cable landing stations and the shift beyond hyperscalers
UK space race heats up as Amazon wins UK MoD satellite contract
French energy giant EDF offers up land for data centre projects

Bridging AI and global connectivity: The rise of hybrid cable landing stations and the shift beyond hyperscalers


Contributed Article

by Tim Parker, Chief Growth Officer of Assured Comms

The rapid evolution of AI is reshaping data center infrastructure, changing the approach to compute deployment by enterprises and cloud providers. Driven by traditional hyperscalers with large-scale training clusters, emerging efficiency gains are shifting demand toward smaller, more distributed inference deployments. Meanwhile, demands for connectivity continue to rise globally, demanding infrastructure that best minimizes latency and improves data distribution.

This shift presents an opportunity for hybrid cable landing stations (HCLS)—a model integrating subsea connectivity with AI infrastructure—to support the next generation of AI workloads.

Moving beyond hyperscalers

Historically, AI infrastructure required 100–200MW data center campuses optimized for model training. However, advancements like DeepSeek’s efficiency gains are altering this model, reducing energy requirements and making 5–20MW AI inference hubs a viable alternative. Enterprises increasingly recognize that AI processing doesn’t need to be concentrated in massive, high-density clusters. Instead, regionalized AI workloads allow for more flexible, cost-efficient deployment while minimizing bottlenecks.

Greater efficiency does not necessarily reduce overall demand. Instead, it enables broader AI adoption, shifting workloads to a wider range of locations and infrastructure types. As AI becomes more accessible and cost-effective, enterprises are reconsidering where and how their compute resources should be deployed.

The role of hybrid infrastructure in AI deployment

As AI workloads move toward distributed inference models, connectivity becomes a critical factor. Traditionally, cable landing stations (CLS) have been designed solely to handle subsea fiber traffic, routing data from international networks to terrestrial infrastructure. However, this model is evolving.

Hybrid cable landing stations integrate subsea connectivity with AI processing, enabling localized compute power at network entry points. This reduces the need for long-haul data transport, cutting latency for AI-driven applications while optimizing bandwidth utilization.

The benefits of this model include:

  • Lower latency, with AI workloads processing data closer to the end user.
  • Greater flexibility, allowing enterprises to deploy inference workloads at strategic global entry points rather than relying on centralized hyperscaler hubs.
  • Improved scalability, supporting modular AI deployments that can adapt to changing infrastructure needs.

Investment and infrastructure implications

As these shifts take hold, investors and data center operators must rethink long-term strategies. The move away from ultra-large AI campuses suggests that speculative hyperscaler builds may carry greater risk, particularly those requiring extensive power commitments. Instead, mid-sized deployments (5–20MW) and modular colocation models are becoming more attractive investment targets.

For enterprises, the ability to leverage regionalized AI infrastructure offers cost advantages while reducing reliance on traditional hyperscaler platforms. GPU-as-a-service providers and enterprise-owned AI deployments are also gaining traction, further diversifying the AI infrastructure landscape.

AI is no longer confined to massive hyperscale campuses. As training efficiency improves and inference workloads become more distributed, the industry must adapt. Hybrid cable landing stations represent a critical evolution, merging subsea connectivity with AI infrastructure to enable faster, more flexible data processing.

This shift has broad implications for infrastructure investment, data center design, and global connectivity strategies. The future of AI-driven networks will be defined not by scale alone, but by strategic placement, efficiency, and adaptability—a trend that forward-thinking enterprises and investors must embrace.

Join Assured Comms and the subsea cable commuity next week at Submarine Networks EMEA, the world’s leading subsea connectivity event

GNM Expands Network with First PoP in Budapest

Boosting Wavelength and Interconnection Services in the Region

GNM’s Budapest Point of Presence takes advantage of its own DWDM-system. It provides valuable options for network redundancy improvement, traffic flow optimization, and reduction of points of failure. The GNM’s interconnection services such as GNM-IX and IP Transit allow direct connections with a wider range of networks, as well as access to Tier-1 connectivity providers. Flexible port options from 10G to 400G provide customized options to meet different bandwidth needs.

Expanding Infrastructure to Support Growing Demand

“The launch of our Budapest PoP marks an important milestone in GNM’s expansion strategy,” said Alex Surkoff, Business Development Director at GNM. “This new PoP not only enhances connectivity in Central Europe but also supports local telecom providers by delivering cost-efficient and scalable solutions.”

The Budapest PoP is now part of GNM’s European backbone, offering direct, low-latency connections to hubs in Bratislava and Sofia. This expansion improves access for Hungarian telecom companies to European content and international networks while reducing reliance on third-party transit providers. It also enables seamless integration with major global content providers, cloud platforms, and international carriers. By lowering latency and ensuring stable traffic flows, the PoP ensures more efficient data exchange and service quality for end-users.

Future Expansion Plans

GNM plans to expand its backbone and establish new PoPs in Central Europe to strengthen network coverage, providing businesses and telecom operators with a robust digital infrastructure.

About GNM

GNM is a global backbone provider known for its extensive 18,000 km DWDM backbone network. It offers high-performance connectivity solutions that ensure low-latency, scalable, and resilient network infrastructure. Unlike traditional providers, GNM combines its own GNM-IX Internet Exchange with direct access to Tier-1 ISPs, giving customers enhanced routing efficiency and cost-effective traffic exchange. including Internet Exchange and IP Transit, as well as DWDM transport services.

Vodafone–Three reveals leadership team


Press Release 

Following CMA clearance of the Vodafone UK Three UK merger in December 2024 (subject to legally binding commitments), and in anticipation of final deal completion in the coming months, Vodafone-Three has announced the company’s General Management Team

Max Taylor, CEO Vodafone UK, and CEO of the future merged entity, has appointed the following people to lead the new company:

  • Darren Purkis, CFO
  • Kelly Barlow, Strategy and Portfolio
  • Clare Corkish, HR
  • Andrea Dona, Networks
  • Nick Gliddon, Business
  • Stephen Lerner, Regulatory, Government Affairs & Company Secretary
  • Nicki Lyons, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability
  • Stephen Reidy, IT
  • Jon Shaw, Consumer Operations
  • Rob Winterschladen, Consumer
  • Andy Yorston, Legal, Security, Compliance & Risk

The appointments followed a robust selection process and were approved by the MergeCo Governance Board, with representatives of both Vodafone Group and CK Hutchison as shareholders of the future merged company. The General Management Team appointees will transition into their new roles once the CMA process is fully complete and the new company, [MergeCo], is created, with the date of completion yet to be announced.  Until then, all appointees will continue in their current roles at either Vodafone UK or Three UK, with both companies and teams continuing to operate separately until the merger is finalised.

Max Taylor said: “I would like to congratulate everyone on their new appointments. The new leadership team are all looking forward, following completion of our merger, to integrating our two companies and deliver on our commitment to build the UK’s best network for our customers”.

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news with the Total Telecom newsletter

Also in the news:
Why network infrastructure needs a rethink in the age of AI and Edge computing
Iliad once again eying Italian consolidation with TIM
Eutelsat connects one million Sub-Saharan Africans to satellite 

French energy giant EDF offers up land for data centre projects


News

Four sites have been identified by the utility company, with two more targeted by 2026

France’s state-owned utility company Electricite de France (EDF) says it has identified four locations on its land that could be ideal for data centre deployment.

The energy giant says each site could host a data centre campus with 2GW of capacity, with the benefit of already being connected to the electricity grid.

“For digital companies who wish to do so, EDF will also offer personalized support for the end-to-end completion of the necessary steps to develop their project,” said EDF in an announcement.

The company added that the broad availability of nuclear power in France makes it a highly competitive environment when it comes to reliable, clean energy.

France currently has 57 active nuclear power plants, by far the most on the continent, with only Russia and Ukraine also passing double digits among its European neighbours.

EDF has been quick to capitalise on the AI-fuelled data centre investment boom, with reports last year suggesting the company has already entered into discussions with three companies to provide power infrastructure to three corresponding 1 GW data centre projects in France.

The identification of yet more possible data centre sites came alongside a slew of French infrastructure investment news this week, capitalising on the AI summit being hosted by the French government in Paris. The meeting saw meetings between major political and business leaders from around the world, seeking to align themselves on the technology’s future direction.

Before the summit kicked off, French AI unicorn Mistral announced that it is preparing to invest ‘several billions of euros’ to build its own data centre in the country. At the same time, Swedish startup Evroc has also announced plans to build a French hyperscale data centre.

Both of these announcements follow a major deal last week that will see the UAE announced that it is investing ‘up to €50 billion’ to build a 1GW AI data centre in France.

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news with the Total Telecom newsletter

Also in the news:
Why network infrastructure needs a rethink in the age of AI and Edge computing
Iliad once again eying Italian consolidation with TIM
Eutelsat connects one million Sub-Saharan Africans to satellite 

Lightpath Closes Acquisition of United Fiber & Data Assets

New York – February 4, 2025 – Lightpath, an all-fiber, infrastructure-based connectivity provider revolutionizing how organizations connect to their digital destinations, announced the company has closed the transaction to acquire substantially all of the assets of United Fiber and Data (UFD). The company also introduced LightCube Edge Data Centers that will be first deployed along its NYC-Ashburn strategic network route. 

The asset additions elevate Lightpath’s position in the digital infrastructure industry and expand its reach in the New York Metro and Ashburn markets. Lightpath adds the geographically diverse, 323-mile NYC-Ashburn route, as the company continues to amass new and unique route options between these markets. Lightpath also adds 79-miles of metro fiber in New Jersey and New York City, and approximately 250 new commercial service locations in Manhattan. Lightpath now offers over 1,500 enterprise and data center service locations in Manhattan alone, a 5x increase over the last 3 years. 

Click here to View Maps of the Lightpath and UFD Networks

NYC-Ashburn Route: Geographically Diverse and Lowest Latency

Lightpath’s New York City to Ashburn network route is geographically diverse from typical network routes along the I-95 corridor and offers the industry’s lowest latency between the largest population center in the country and the largest data center and cloud ecosystem in the world. Service options on this route include dark fiber and wavelengths up to 800 Gbps. 

“This route represents a unique opportunity for customers to connect these critical markets with diversity, latency management, and soon the addition of edge compute facilities,” explained Tim Haverkate, EVP of Major Infrastructure Solutions, Lightpath. “Lightpath has seen surging demand on this route, with nearly 25% of the cable under contract, a 3.5x increase since the transaction was initially announced. Further, we are engaged in active conversations with 20 customers resulting in an opportunity pipeline that would oversubscribe the route as it exists today.”

Lightpath customers can connect to almost any data center in the Ashburn region and in total can connect to over 140 data centers across its footprint. Lightpath can route customers from any on-net data centers in New York Metro or Boston Metro to Ashburn utilizing this route. Lightpath can also deliver routing options along the I-95 corridor to support services on the NYC-Ashburn route. 

LightCube: Connected Edge Data Centers for AI Services and Edge Compute

Lightpath also introduced LightCube edge data centers – modular, secure, and customizable facilities that fully support the capacity for 864-count fiber cables and the corresponding space and power for edge compute workloads. Lightpath will be upgrading four existing ILAs on the NYC-Ashburn route with new LightCubes in response to customer demand.  

Learn More about LightCube Edge Data Centers here.

“This route represents a strategic addition to the Lightpath network extending our reach from the Northeast into the ever-expanding data center ecosystem in Ashburn,” stated Chris Morley, CEO, Lightpath. “We will continue to aggressively pursue organic and inorganic opportunities to meet both the metro and the long-haul requirements on behalf of our hyperscaler, carrier, and enterprise customers.” 

# # #

About Lightpath

Lightpath is revolutionizing how customers connect to their digital destinations by combining our next-generation network with our next-generation customer service. Lightpath’s advanced fiber-optic network offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom-engineered connectivity solutions with unparalleled performance, reliability, and security. Our consultative customer service means we work with you to design, deliver, and support the solution for your unique needs, faster and more easily than ever before. For over 30 years, thousands of enterprises, governments, and educators have trusted Lightpath to power their organization’s innovation. Lightpath is jointly owned by Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners.

To learn how Lightpath can connect you to your digital destinations, visit lightpathfiber.com

For media inquiries:

JSA for Lightpath

1-866-695-3629 ext. 13

jsa_lightpath@jsa.net

Iliad once again eying Italian consolidation with TIM


News

The French telecoms group has informed the Italian government that it is once again exploring a potential tie-up, according to reports

Iliad Italia is once again looking for potential tie-ups with Italy’s incumbent operator TIM, according to reports by local Italian news agencies Corriere della Sera and La Stampa.

The reports say that Iliad has this week informed the Italian government of its intentions to pursue dealmaking with TIM. The Italian government has likely been informed due to its 10% stake in TIM as well as its so-called ‘golden powers’ that allows the state to veto any deal involving critical infrastructure – such as the country’s largest telecoms operator TIM – being taken over by a foreign company.

Reports suggest that the deal would take the form of a merger, with a Reuters report confirming that Iliad does not intend to see TIM’s business units carved up.

The Italian mobile market has been crying out for consolidation for years. Iliad entered the already competitive market in 2018 and rapidly initiated a brutal price war that has seen the operators’ profit margins slashed. Since then, all four of the country’s mobile operators (Vodafone, TIM, Iliad, and WindTre) have been involved in various merger discussions.

In fact, Iliad itself had initially sought a merger with the seemingly more vulnerable Vodafone Italia back in 2023. Ultimately, however Vodafone Italia instead struck a deal to be acquired by Swisscom for €8 billion, with Swisscom merging the business with its local fixed broadband unit Fastweb.

But despite a market-wide consensus on the need for consolidation, a direct merger between TIM and Iliad would likely draw some critical regulatory attention. The deal would create a dominant market leader, commanding around 41% of the mobile market and 40% of the fixed broadband market.

Interestingly – and entirely separate to this interest from Iliad – reports are also noting that investment firm CVC Capital Partners has also informed the government of its intention to approach TIM.

CVC has shown interest in the Italian incumbent for a number of years now, having first made a non-binding offer for a minority stake in the company’s enterprise unit back in 2022.

Now, CVC is reportedly showing interest in buying the 24% stake in TIM held by French investment company Vivendi.

Vivendi has been notably critical of TIM’s sale of its fixed network infrastructure to KKR last year, saying that the assets were severely undervalued. The company has attempted to undo the deal through various legal means over the past year, none of which have yet borne fruit.

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to the Total Telecom newsletter

Also in the news:
Vodafone reports strong Q3 growth amid Germany challenges
CEO of AireBeam discusses ‘secret sauce’ behind ISP’s growth
BT scraps managerial DEI targets