The recently-created Coalition for Fixed Wireless Access (CFWA) said its proposal could help the Italian government achieve its broadband goals.

CFWA expressed an interest in the radio frequencies which could become available if the proposed merger in Italy of the local subsidiaries of VimpelCom and CK Hutchison goes ahead.

“The offer does not have a negative impact on industrial synergies necessary to the merger and would allow our operators to contribute to the Government’s strategy on ultra broadband,” said Luca Spada, president of CFWA, which represents more than 60 fixed-wireless operators in the country.

However, Spada’s group has some significant rivals in acquiring spectrum made available by VimpelCom and Hutchison to appease regulators. Rivals are thought to include Iliad, Sky and Fastweb.

Whereas the others want spectrum to enter the country’s mobile market, CFWA has a different agenda: pushing ahead with the rollout of high-speed wireless broadband services to homes and businesses.

The coalition is interested in taking 50 MHz of spectrum, equal to 20 per cent of the total amount (260 MHz) held by the merged entity.

“Such an offer does not have a negative impact on industrial synergies necessary for fusion but would allow our operators to contribute decisively to the government’ strategy,” said Spada.