{{Short description|Italian telecommunications company}} {{Infobox company | name = Fastweb S.p.A.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FASTWEB SPA, Partita IVA: 12878470157, Fatturato, Dipendenti, PEC |url=https://www.ufficiocamerale.it/1409/fastweb-spa |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=www.ufficiocamerale.it}}</ref> | logo = Fastweb logo.svg | image_caption = Fastweb's headquarters in Milan, Italy | former_name = | type = Subsidiary | traded_as = {{BIT|IT0001423562|FWB}} (delisted) | image = HQ Fastweb, Milano Piazza Olivetti.jpg | genre = | foundation = {{Start date and age|1999|09}} | founder = {{Unbulleted list |e.Biscom |AEM }} | defunct = | location_city = Milan | location_country = Italy | fate = | successor = | location = | locations = | area_served = Italy | key_people = {{Unbulleted list |Christoph Aeschlimann (Chairman) |Eugen Stermetz (Vice-chairman) |Walter Renna (General director) }} | ISIN = IT0001423562 | industry = Telecommunications | products = | services = Fixed and mobile telephony, Broadband Internet, IPTV | revenue = | net_income = {{formatnum:2.633}} billion € | assets = | equity = | owner = | num_employees = 3417 | parent = Swisscom | divisions = | subsid = | homepage = {{URL|www.fastweb.it}} | footnotes = | intl = }} '''Fastweb S.p.A.''' is an Italian telecommunications company that provides fixed and mobile telephony, broadband Internet and IPTV services. It is one of the leading providers of FTTH connections in Italy, and operates as part of Fastweb + Vodafone, a subsidiary of the Swiss telecommunications group Swisscom.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Company Profile |url=https://company.fastweb.it/en/chi-siamo/profilo-aziendale/ |access-date=2017-04-29 |website=FASTWEB Company Information |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=The Group Structure |url=https://company.fastweb.it/en/chi-siamo/il-gruppo/la-struttura-del-gruppo/ |access-date=2017-04-29 |website=FASTWEB Company Information}}</ref>
In May 2007, Swisscom acquired a controlling stake of 82.4% in Fastweb for €3 billion. The company later purchased the remaining shares from minority shareholders following a voluntary tender offer in September 2010, after which Fastweb was delisted from the Borsa Italiana.
On December 31, 2024, Swisscom acquired Vodafone Italy with the aim of merging it with Fastweb to form Fastweb + Vodafone.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Fastweb + Vodafone {{!}} Swisscom completes the acquisition of Vodafone Italia. Fastweb + Vodafone is born |url=https://www.fastwebvodafone.it/area-media/comunicati-stampa/swisscom-completa-lacquisizione-di-vodafone-italia-nasce-fastweb-vodafone/?lng=EN |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=fastwebvodafone.it |language=it}}</ref> Vodafone Italy will be legally merged into Fastweb on January 1, 2026; however, Fastweb will continue to operate the Vodafone brand separately, which will be gradually phased out by 2029.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fastweb S.p.A e Vodafone Italia S.p.A. si uniscono {{!}} Vodafone |url=https://privati.vodafone.it/legal-merger.html |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=privati.vodafone.it |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MyFastweb - Fastweb+Vodafone |url=https://www.fastweb.it/myfastweb/assistenza/guide/fastweb-vodafone/ |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=Fastweb.it |language=it}}</ref>
Fastweb's main competitors are TIM, Wind Tre and Iliad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-12 |title=Osservatorio sulle comunicazioni n. 3/2025 {{!}} Agcom |url=https://www.agcom.it/pubblicazioni/osservatori/osservatorio-sulle-comunicazioni-n-3-2025 |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=www.agcom.it |language=it}}</ref>
== History ==
=== Founding === Fastweb was founded in 1999 in Milan as a joint venture between e.Biscom (founded by Silvio Scaglia, Francesco Micheli, and Ruggero Gramatica) and AEM, with the intention of developing a fiber-optic network and IP services in Italy.
In March 2000, e.Biscom went public on the Italian New Market Stock Exchange to expand and finance their fiber-optic network in major Italian cities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fp7-trend.eu/content/fastweb-spa|title=Fastweb SPA {{!}} Towards Real Energy-efficient Network Design|website=www.fp7-trend.eu|language=en|access-date=2018-08-24}}</ref> e.Biscom soon became the first operator in the world to use full IP technology and bring fiber-optic networks to cities, and launched home telecommunication services.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.swisscom.ch/en/about/medien/press-releases/2007/03/20070312_01_Fastweb.html|title=Swisscom intends to acquire Fastweb, the successful broadband operator in Italy {{!}} Swisscom|website=www.swisscom.ch|language=en|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-date=2018-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002621/https://www.swisscom.ch/en/about/medien/press-releases/2007/03/20070312_01_Fastweb.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2002, fiber-optic cabling was completed in Milan, and Fastweb consolidated its presence in Rome, Genoa, Turin, Naples, and Bologna.
=== Merger with e.Biscom === e.Biscom announced a possible merger with Fastweb in early 2004, and the merger was finalized by the end of April.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lightreading.com/ebiscom-and-fastweb-to-merge/d/d-id/599347|title=eBiscom and FastWeb to Merge? {{!}} Light Reading|work=Light Reading|access-date=2018-08-24|language=en}}</ref> The company took on Fastweb's name, and focused on its core business, creating broadband telecommunications on the Italian landline network.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lightreading.com/ebiscom-fastweb-merger-approved/d/d-id/602045|title=eBiscom, FastWeb Merger Approved {{!}} Light Reading|work=Light Reading|access-date=2018-08-24|language=en}}</ref>
=== Expansion and technological achievements === By 2006, Fastweb's broadband network had expanded to cover about 45 percent of Italy's population, and later that year, Fastweb won both a Consip and a Centro Nazionale per l'Informatica nella Pubblica Amministrazione (CNIPA) tender for the Public Connectivity System (SPC) becoming a supplier to relevant public authorities.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastweb.it/corporate/azienda/storia-e-innovazione/?lng=EN|title=Fastweb - History and Innovation|website=Fastweb.it|language=en-EN|access-date=2018-08-24}}</ref>
=== Swisscom acquisition === By 2006, Fastweb was Italy's leading alternative broadband telecommunications provider, boasting over one million customers and an annual revenue of €1.26 billion. In early 2007, Fastweb was bought by Swisscom, a major Swiss telecommunications provider, to strengthen new technologies and multimedia for Swisscom, while increasing cash flow and revenue.<ref name=":0" />
=== Expansion under Swisscom === In 2008, Fastweb launched connections of up to 100 Mbit/s for small and medium enterprises in areas served by its fiber-optic network, making this connectivity speed available in Italy for the first time. Over the next year, Fastweb signed an agreement with Telecom Italia to promote the development of fiber-optic next-generation networks (NGN) by sharing infrastructure.<ref name=":1" />
Fastweb worked to continue expanding faster service, and in 2010, their Fibra 100 service became available to residential consumers, and two million homes and businesses had the ability to use the Internet at 100 Mbit/s for the first time in Italy.<ref name=":1" />
In 2015, Fastweb signed an agreement with Telecom Italia to become a full mobile virtual network operator (Full MVNO) to ensure better quality and coverage, including access to 4G and 4G+.<ref name=":1" />
After continuing to grow, in 2018 Fastweb acquired Tiscali's fixed-wireless business, including full ownership of Tiscali's 5G, 3.5 GHz spectrum, in a deal worth approximately $176 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lightreading.com/mobile/5g/eurobites-fastweb-buys-tiscalis-fixed-wireless-biz-5g-spectrum/d/d-id/745024?_mc=RSS_LR_EDT|title=Eurobites: Fastweb Buys Tiscali's Fixed-Wireless Biz, 5G Spectrum {{!}} Light Reading|work=Light Reading|access-date=2018-08-24|language=en}}</ref>
=== Acquisition of Vodafone Italia === thumb|Fastweb + Vodafone corporate identity logo used during the integration phase On March 15, 2024, Swisscom signed a binding purchase proposal to acquire 100% of Vodafone Italia for €8 billion, with the goal of merging it with Fastweb. The transaction is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025. As part of the agreement, Vodafone will continue to provide certain services to Fastweb, as well as grant the use of its brand for a maximum period of five years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biondi |first=Andrea |date=2024-03-15 |title=Swisscom acquisisce Vodafone Italia, via all’unione con Fastweb |url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/swisscom-acquisisce-vodafone-via-alil-unione-fastweb-AFZr9p3C |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=Il Sole 24 ORE |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-15 |title=Il marchio Vodafone sparirà in Italia tra cinque anni (al massimo): l’accordo con Fastweb per 8 miliardi |url=https://www.corriere.it/economia/finanza/24_marzo_15/fastweb-compra-vodafone-italia-per-8-miliardi-il-marchio-restera-per-5-anni-al-massimo-86b1dd74-096a-4768-81a6-093d2ddd8xlk.shtml |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=Corriere della Sera |language=it-IT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-15 |title=Vodafone-Fastweb, c’è il sì alle nozze: Swisscom compra le attività italiane del colosso britannico per 8 miliardi |url=https://www.repubblica.it/economia/finanza/2024/03/15/news/vodafone-fastweb_ce_il_si_alle_nozze_swisscom_compra_le_attivita_italiane_del_colosso_britannico_per_8_miliardi-422313761/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=la Repubblica |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Finanza |first=MF Milano |date=2024-03-15 |title=Tlc, parte il risiko. Swisscom compra Vodafone Italia per 8 miliardi e prepara la fusione con Fastweb. Tutti i dettagli {{!}} MilanoFinanza News |url=https://www.milanofinanza.it/news/tlc-parte-il-risiko-swisscom-compra-vodafone-italia-per-8-miliardi-e-prepara-la-fusione-con-fastweb-tutti-202403150741557027 |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=MF Milano Finanza |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Swisscom acquisisce Vodafone Italia per creare, attraverso la combinazione con Fastweb, un operatore convergente leader nel Paese |url=https://www.fastweb.it/corporate/media/comunicati-stampa/swisscom-acquisisce-vodafone-italia-per-creare-attraverso-la-combinazione-con-fastweb-un-operatore-convergente-leader-nel-paese/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=Fastweb.it |language=it}}</ref>
On April 3, 2024, Fastweb also entered the electricity market.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-03 |title=Fastweb entra nel mercato dell’energia elettrica con una bolletta «fissa»: obiettivo 100 mila clienti |url=https://www.corriere.it/economia/energie/24_aprile_03/fastweb-entra-nel-mercato-dell-energia-elettrica-con-una-bolletta-fissa-obiettivo-100-mila-clienti-b6944c2f-de83-4010-87a0-a55727167xlk.shtml |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=Corriere della Sera |language=it-IT}}</ref>
In September 2024, the Antitrust Authority published a notice of investigation<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicolosi |first=Simone |date=2024-09-17 |title=Fusione Fastweb Vodafone Italia: Antitrust pubblica il provvedimento di avvio istruttoria |url=https://www.mondomobileweb.it/287434-fusione-fastweb-vodafone-italia-antitrust-pubblica-il-provvedimento-di-avvio-istruttoria/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=MondoMobileWeb.it {{!}} News {{!}} Telefonia {{!}} Offerte |language=it-IT}}</ref> and launched an inquiry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicolosi |first=Simone |date=2024-09-17 |title=Fusione Fastweb Vodafone Italia, indagine Antitrust: i dubbi dei competitor e l'analisi AGCM |url=https://www.mondomobileweb.it/287447-fusione-fastweb-vodafone-italia-indagine-antitrust-i-dubbi-dei-competitor-e-lanalisi-agcm/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=MondoMobileWeb.it {{!}} News {{!}} Telefonia {{!}} Offerte |language=it-IT}}</ref> Swisscom announced that the European Commission had approved the acquisition of Vodafone Italia under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicolosi |first=Simone |date=2024-09-24 |title=Fusione Fastweb Vodafone Italia: Swisscom ottiene il via libera dalla Commissione UE |url=https://www.mondomobileweb.it/287876-fusione-fastweb-vodafone-italia-swisscom-ottiene-il-via-libera-dalla-commissione-ue/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=MondoMobileWeb.it {{!}} News {{!}} Telefonia {{!}} Offerte |language=it-IT}}</ref> The transaction was also approved by AGCOM and AGCM in November and December 2024, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castro |first=Mattia |date=2024-11-13 |title=Swisscom, acquisizione di Vodafone Italia: AGCOM autorizza la transazione |url=https://www.mondomobileweb.it/290625-swisscom-acquisizione-di-vodafone-italia-agcom-autorizza-la-transazione/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=MondoMobileWeb.it {{!}} News {{!}} Telefonia {{!}} Offerte |language=it-IT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stampa |first=Sala |date=2024-12-20 |title=Fusione Fastweb Vodafone Italia: Swisscom ottiene ok dell'Antitrust italiana e del MIMIT |url=https://www.mondomobileweb.it/293122-fusione-fastweb-vodafone-italia-swisscom-ottiene-ok-dellantitrust-italiana-e-del-mimit/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=MondoMobileWeb.it {{!}} News {{!}} Telefonia {{!}} Offerte |language=it-IT}}</ref>
On December 31, 2024, Swisscom, through Fastweb, completed the acquisition of Vodafone Italia for €8 billion, using Fastweb + Vodafone brand as the corporate identity during the transition period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stampa |first=Sala |date=2025-01-02 |title=Fastweb + Vodafone è nata. Swisscom completa l'acquisizione di Vodafone Italia |url=https://www.mondomobileweb.it/293342-fastweb-vodafone-e-nata-swisscom-completa-lacquisizione-di-vodafone-italia/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=MondoMobileWeb.it {{!}} News {{!}} Telefonia {{!}} Offerte |language=it-IT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TG24 |first=Sky |date=2025-01-02 |title=Swisscom completa l'acquisizione di Vodafone Italia |url=https://tg24.sky.it/economia/2025/01/02/swisscom-vodafone-italia |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=tg24.sky.it |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Biondi |first=Andrea |date=2025-01-02 |title=Al via Fastweb + Vodafone: Swisscom completa l’acquisizione di Vodafone Italia |url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/al-via-fastweb-vodafone-swisscom-completa-l-acquisizione-vodafone-italia-AGsErb5B |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=Il Sole 24 ORE |language=it}}</ref>
== ho-mobile == thumb|120x120px|'''ho.''' '''ho-mobile''', stylized as '''ho.''', is an Italian mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) operating as a sub-brand of Fastweb.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Condizioni generali |url=https://www.ho-mobile.it/condizioni-generali.html |access-date=2019-07-24 |website=www.ho-mobile.it}}</ref> It was originally created to compete with Iliad in the Italian mobile telephony market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milano |first=Virgilio |date=2021-04-03 |title=A chi si appoggia ho.Mobile? Quale operatore usa ho? Quale rete? |url=https://www.4fan.it/ho-mobile-che-operatore/ |access-date=2021-06-10 |website=4fan.it |language=it-IT}}</ref>
The brand was founded by Vodafone Italy on January 23, 2017 as a low-cost operator,<ref>{{cite news |author=Filippo Vendrame |date=31 January 2018 |title=Vodafone, il suo operatore virtuale è pronto |url=https://www.webnews.it/2018/01/31/vodafone-operatore-virtuale-vei/ |access-date=6 July 2018 |publisher=WebNews}}</ref> but the commercial launch of the service took place on June 22, 2018, a few weeks after Iliad entered the Italian market.<ref>{{cite news |author=Paolo Ottolina |date=22 June 2018 |title=Telefonia mobile, nasce ho. È l'operatore virtuale low cost di Vodafone |url=https://www.corriere.it/tecnologia/18_giugno_22/telefonia-mobile-nasce-ho-l-operatore-virtuale-low-cost-vodafone-30-gb-699-mese-c749e322-7624-11e8-891d-7017f1270990.shtml |access-date=6 July 2018 |periodical=Corriere della Sera}}</ref>
Following the acquisition of Vodafone Italy by Fastweb, which became effective on January 1, 2026, ownership of ho. was fully transferred to Fastweb. As a result, the company Vodafone Italia S.p.A. ceased to exist, and all legal ownership of the brand passed to Fastweb.
Although it obtained authorization from the Ministry of Economic Development to operate as a Full MVNO using the 379-1 prefix, the operator was launched as an ESP MVNO, adopting the 377-08 and 377-09 prefixes. The 379-1 and 379-2 prefixes were introduced at a later stage.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2020 |title=Risorse di numerazione |url=https://www.sviluppoeconomico.gov.it/index.php/it/comunicazioni/telefonia/risorse-di-numerazione |access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>
== Brand identity == Evolution of the company brand and logo:
<gallery> File:Logo Fastweb 2001.svg|2001–2002 File:Logo Fastweb 2002.svg|2002–2004 File:Logo Fastweb 2004.svg|2004–2010 File:Logo Fastweb 2010.png|2010–2020 File:Logo Fastweb 2020.svg|2020–present </gallery>
==Network and services== Since its founding Fastweb has invested over €5 billion in a next-generation fiber-optic network spanning more than {{Convert|32,000|km|mi|abbr=on}}. By implementing the Internet Protocol on its alternative fiber-optic network, Fastweb provides a Triple-Play Offer of landline, internet and television services, available simultaneously on a single connection, for residential and business clients.
In September 2010 and for the first time in Italy, Fastweb launched a broadband connection up to 100 Mbit/s for residential customers and small enterprises in the cities of Milan, Rome, Genoa, Turin, Bologna, Naples and Bari.
In September 2008, Fastweb became also a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and launched its mobile voice and data service (Quadruple Play).
In July 2019 became the fifth mobile network operator in Italy by obtaining the license to operate on 5G network.<ref>{{cite web |title=fastweb diventa il quinto operatore italiano |url=https://www.fastweb.it/corporate/media/comunicati-stampa/fastweb-e-il-quinto-operatore-mobile-italiano/ |website=Fastweb.it}}</ref>
Today, business customers account for 60% of the total revenue. On the government market, Fastweb became the main supplier of fixed network telephone and data services to central public agencies.
== Customers ==
=== Mobile telephony === As of June 2025, Fastweb+Vodafone has 33.0 million active mobile SIMs in total.<ref name="agcom2025p10">{{cite report|url=https://www.agcom.it/sites/default/files/documenti/osservatorio/AGCOM_Osservatorio%20n.3-2025_1.pdf|title=Osservatorio sulle comunicazioni n. 3/2025|publisher=AGCOM|language=it|date=12 November 2025|page=10|access-date=4 January 2026}}</ref> It is the leading mobile network operator in Italy.
=== Fixed telephony === {{Empty section|date=December 2025}}
==Company structure== Source:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Group Structure|url= https://www.fastwebvodafone.it/governance/struttura-societaria/?from=menu&lng=EN|access-date=8 January 2026|website=fastwebvodafone.it}}</ref> {{Lineage | 1|-1|Swisscom AG| | 2| 1|'''Fastweb S.p.A.'''|100% | 3| 2|VND S.p.A.|100% | 4| 2|Vodafone Gestioni S.p.A.|100% | 5| 2|7Layers S.r.l.|100% }}
==See also== * List of mobile network operators in Italy * List of VoIP companies * Swisscom * Vodafone Italy
==Other sources== * {{cite web |url=http://www.fp7-trend.eu/content/fastweb-spa|title=Fastweb SPA - Towards Real Energy-efficient Network Design |website=www.fp7-trend.eu|access-date=4 March 2019}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.swisscom.ch/en/about/medien/press-releases/2007/03/20070312_01_Fastweb.html |title=Swisscom intends to acquire Fastweb, the successful broadband operator in Italy - Swisscom |website=www.swisscom.ch |access-date=4 March 2019 |archive-date=25 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002621/https://www.swisscom.ch/en/about/medien/press-releases/2007/03/20070312_01_Fastweb.html |url-status=dead }} * {{cite web |url=https://www.lightreading.com/ebiscom-and-fastweb-to-merge/d/d-id/599347 |title=eBiscom and FastWeb to Merge?|website=Light Reading|access-date=4 March 2019}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.lightreading.com/ebiscom-fastweb-merger-approved/d/d-id/602045 |title=eBiscom, FastWeb Merger Approved|website=Light Reading|access-date=4 March 2019}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.fastweb.it/corporate/azienda/storia-e-innovazione/?lng=EN |title=Fastweb - History and Innovation|website=Fastweb.it|access-date=4 March 2019}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.lightreading.com/mobile/5g/eurobites-fastweb-buys-tiscalis-fixed-wireless-biz-5g-spectrum/d/d-id/745024 |title=Eurobites: Fastweb Buys Tiscali's Fixed-Wireless Biz, 5G Spectrum|website=Light Reading|access-date=4 March 2019}} * {{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704621204575487651355362166 |title=Italy's Fastweb Joins Rivals as Broadband Prices Fall |first=Stacy|last=Meichtry|newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=13 September 2010|access-date=4 March 2019|via=www.wsj.com}} * {{Cite news|last=Zega|first=Roxana|date=6 May 2015|title=Swisscom Intends to Keep Italian Fastweb Business, CEO Says|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-06/swisscom-intends-to-keep-its-italian-fastweb-business-ceo-says|access-date=7 September 2020}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.borsaitaliana.it/homepage/homepage.htm?lang=it&target=StudiDownloadFree&filename=pdf/57697.pdf |title=Quotazioni, Azioni, Obbligazioni, ETF, Fondi, Indici - Borsa Italiana|website=www.borsaitaliana.it|access-date=4 March 2019}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/beb2acf2-a404-11db-bec4-0000779e2340|title=Fastweb to deepen Vodafone ties |date=14 January 2007|website=Financial Times|access-date=4 March 2019}} * {{cite web |url=https://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2002/06/italys-fastweb-deploys-networked-personal-video-recording-solution-over-its-nationwide-ftth-network-53447442.html |title=Italy's FastWeb deploys networked personal video recording solution over its nationwide FTTH network |date=24 June 2002}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commonscat}} * [https://company.fastweb.it/ Official website]
{{Italian mobile phone companies}} {{CATV}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Italian brands Category:VoIP companies of Italy Category:Streaming television in Italy Category:Internet service providers of Italy Category:Companies based in Milan Category:Companies formerly listed on the Borsa Italiana