Italy's AGCM opposes automatic mobile frequency renewals

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has issued an opinion opposing the automatic renewal of mobile frequency rights expiring in 2029. The AGCM advised the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and AGCOM that maintaining the status quo through automatic renewals could negatively impact market competition and prevent smaller operators from growing.

TIM CEO Pietro Labriola criticized the AGCM's stance, arguing that the authority's focus on increasing the number of operators contradicts European Union goals for digital transition. Labriola stated that the issue goes beyond spectrum allocation, noting that the EU encourages more investment, scale, and regulatory predictability to compete with the United States and China. He warned that if competition is pushed to a point where returns on investment are insufficient, industrial activities could be transformed into universal services, potentially increasing costs for consumers.