By telecoms.com editorial

Chinese supplier Huawei has announced that Retelit, a broadband wireless access (BWA) provider in Italy, will deploy its mobile WIMAX infrastructure. The deal includes MIMO-enabled 802.16e base stations, ASN gateways, as well as Huawei’s hybrid TDM-IP microwave equipment and network management systems.

Multimedia group Retelit, through its Milan-based subsidiary E-via, won 3.5GHz BWA licences in central and northern Italy when the spectrum auctions took place during Q1 2008. It paid €23.3m for its 3.5GHz licence concession.

Incumbent Telecom Italia, meanwhile, took licences in central and southern Italy for €13.8m. Telecom Italia has been one of the most advanced of European incumbents trialling WiMAX, planning to combine it with wifi, 3G and DSL to provide quad-play services.

The 3.5GHz BWA auctions raised a total of €136.3m for the Italian government’s coffers with 35 regional licences awarded.