Telecom Italia says 'absolute no' to shared fiber network

Telecom Italia isn't at all interested in being part of a shared fiber optic network, although the operator will participate in roundtable talks with rival telecoms about the proposed $3.1 billion network, Reuters reports.

Last week, Fastweb, Italy's No. 2 broadband operator, and Vodafone Italia announced plans to roll out the network in Italy and that it will be open to private and public partners.

Oscar Cicchetti, head of technology and operations for Telecom Italia, said the project is positive but the company "says an absolute no to a condominium-style network."

Operators in Italy have grappled with the idea of a national fiber-optic network, but scarce funding and low customer interest are potential roadblocks to any project.

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