A forthcoming sale of Telecom Italia towers will be the most significant such transaction in Europe in 2014. The acquirer will become the largest independent towerco in Italy. Italian operator WIND, a subsidiary of the Russian Vimpelcom, is also considering a tower sale. If both of these initiatives come to fruition, the coming 12 months will thus see either two competing independent towercos, each with a strong base of secure revenues, or, alternatively, a single towerco that will dominate the market and become a significant international force. Conor Plant of consultancy Hardiman Telecommunications Ltd. reviews the Italian vista and the prospects for success.
