Fastweb + Vodafone to end tower deal with Inwit

Swisscom-owned Fastweb + Vodafone gave notice of a plan to terminate its Masters Services Agreement (MSA) with Italian tower company Inwit, following last week’s deal with Telecom Italia to form a rivalling infrastructure joint venture.

Swisscom stated it will enter discussions with Inwit to end the MSA, agreeing on a migration plan spanning several years to ensure “operational continuity until and after March 2028".

It said the decision was based on Inwit’s tower costs being above market level and its refusal to engage in formal negotations to align with standard market conditions.

“Inwit’s above market prices reduces Fastweb + Vodafone’s ability to make investments necessary to maintain high-quality mobile networks and support Italy’s digitalisation,” said Swisscom.

Lowering costs and advancing Italy’s next-generation infrastructure were two main reasons given for Fastweb + Vodafone’s JV with Telecom Italia. The companies are planning to build and operate 6,000 towers in Italy, in a direct challenge to Inwit.

It explained terminating its MSA with Inwit will allow Fastweb + Vodafone to redirect financial resources towards development of new infrastructure. All actions it is taking are in full compliance of the agreement, which includes the right to termination with two years’ prior notice, Swisscom added.