Fastweb has officially completed the acquisition of Vodafone Italy, creating the new corporate entity Fastweb + Vodafone, following the closing on December 31, 2024. This strategic merger, facilitated by Swisscom, aims to position the combined company as a leading converged operator within Italy’s dynamic telecommunications sector.
Walter Renna, the appointed CEO of Fastweb + Vodafone, remarked, "With the official closing, we complete the most significant consolidation operation of recent years within the telecommunications market of Italy." He emphasized the dedication to initiating the integration process swiftly, focusing on unleashing the potential of both companies and providing innovative services across all market segments.
The numbers are impressive: Fastweb + Vodafone will handle 20 million mobile lines and 5.6 million fixed lines, making it the primary infrastructure operator with a market share of 30.1%. This positions Fastweb + Vodafone favorably against competitors like TIM, which holds 27.1%. The new entity also boasts over 20,000 mobile sites and a proprietary fixed network spanning 74,000 kilometers, approximately half of which uses Fiber to the Home (FTTH) technology.
Fastweb + Vodafone is expected to create substantial value for stakeholders, driven by estimated annual synergies of around €600 million. These financial benefits stem from economies of scale, improved operational efficiencies, and increased capacity for infrastructure investments and innovation. Renna pledged to focus on delivering high-performance services, stating, "We will work to improve our services and performance for customers."
Despite the merger, existing commercial brands—Fastweb, Vodafone, and ho.—will continue to operate as they have, ensuring customer continuity during this transition period. Renna assured customers, "No immediate changes will occur for existing service agreements or conditions." He underlined the plan for customers currently with Fastweb Mobile to gradually migrate to the Vodafone network, which aims to provide enhanced service and network performance without requiring physical SIM card changes.
Swisscom’s CEO, Christoph Aeschlimann, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, asserting, "We are proud to have completed this strategic acquisition, which strengthens the entire Swisscom Group." Aeschlimann emphasized the long-term benefits of this positioning within the competitive Italian telecommunications market, offering increased cash flows and dividends moving forward.
With the formation of Fastweb + Vodafone, governance will be consolidated under one Executive Committee, which will steer the integration and development of this new joint entity. Leadership includes prominent figures from both companies, blending expertise from Fastweb and Vodafone to navigate the telecommunications market efficiently.
The newly merged company is poised to become the reference point for digital transition within Italy. Fastweb + Vodafone aims to champion technological development, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. The vision for the future is rooted firmly within the organization’s culture, which values inclusion, transparency, and innovation.
Renna emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and accessibility to services as pivotal strategies for the new company saying, "Fastweb + Vodafone will be focused on innovation, quality, and competitive pricing to transform the market." The seamless integration of infrastructure and expertise from both telecom giants is set to revolutionize customer experience and service delivery, solidifying Fastweb + Vodafone as a central player in Italy's digital future.
With ambitious plans and strong leadership, Fastweb + Vodafone is positioned for notable impact. This merger not only enhances the competitive edge but also reflects changing dynamics within the Italian telecommunications industry—where consolidation is fueling rapid innovation and consumer responsiveness.