Linkem

Linkem Spa
Website www.linkem.com

Linkem S.p.A. is an Italian telecommunications company specializing in wireless broadband connection (Hyperlan, WiMax and Wi-Fi). The company has a network of wholly owned subsidiaries with 1,200 antennas (BTS) located throughout Italy, providing Internet connectivity to surrounding areas. The Linkem network is an alternative to traditional telecommunications networks, allowing signal transmission even areas that lack cellular connectivity.[1] Linkem is Italy's first Wireless Internet Service Provider,[2] serving about 2,000 municipalities - 40% of Italian land area.[3]

History

Linkem was founded in 2001 as Mega Beam Italia S.p.A. Its founders include a group of managers supported by AngelVentures Serviços de Consultoria S.A., of Gianfilippo Cuneo.[4] Linkem was the first Italian Wireless Internet Service Provider, originally serving around 100 thousand users through a Wi-Fi network predominantly available in hotels, airports (including New York's JFK and London Heathrow), stations and service areas of the trunk A4 Milano-Brescia.

Telecom Italia indicated interest in the acquisition of Linkem for 11.5 million euros, but imposed onerous hold-for conditions.[5] Specifically, Telecom Italia intended to separate wi-fi from the other services, creating a new company which would give up all exclusive rights of the two companies - wi-fi services, network installation and usage networks of other parties, the obligation to grant competitors access to the network roaming wi-fi to equitable economic and technical conditions discriminatory.[6]

In 2005 the Linkem brand was created, and in June 2006 the company became Linkem S.p.A. In 2010 the company purchased Maxi-Com and Retelit.

In 2008, AFT S.p.A (Linkem's parent company) won the notice of allocation for WiMax frequency bands 3.4-3.6 GHz,[7] in 13 Italian regions[8] with their offer of 34,420,000. With its WiMax service, Linkem reaches more than 80% of Italy's population - becoming the first Italian operator to launch a WiMax-based voice and broadband service.[9]

In 2010 Telecom Italia developed an agreement with Linkem for the rent of its WiMax networks, offering free WiMax in the regions where Linkem has its own network.[10]

By 2012, Linkem was serving a population of over 27 million residents.

2015 marked the activation of LTE coverage on 3.5 GHz frequencies (Linkem proprietary frequencies) with a campaign to replace outdoor WiMax antennas.[11]

On 4 September 2015, the company presented its new logo, accentuating the identifying traits of the brand to optimize modernity and visibility. The lines and colors of the current logo have evolved to reinforce its image and impact.

Ownership

In 2003 shareholders were reported to be Angel Ventures Serviços de Consultorio SA (42%), 2G Investments S.p.A. (28%), Cuneo & Associati srl (4%), Marco Airoldi (4%), Rocco Rosa (7%), Davide Rota (12%) and Ser-Fid Italian Trust and Audit S.p.A (3%). In July 2009, the company A.F.T. S.p.A, which owns 100% of the share capital of Linkem S.p.A, had in its ownership several investment funds, including Ramius Capital Group, Vintage Investment, Leucadia, and 2G investments.

Communication and sponsorships

References

  1. ↑ Linkem ricalcola il divario digitale
  2. ↑ Linkem: network nazionale con il WiMax vinte 13 licenze • Breitband Internet in Südtirol
  3. ↑ Tlc: Linkem aumenta il capitale di 50 mln per la rete Wi-Max | Radiocor, giovedi' 14 maggio 2009 (articolo 703560)
  4. ↑ La concorrenza e Internet senza fili
  5. ↑
  6. ↑
  7. ↑
  8. ↑
  9. ↑ History
  10. ↑ http://www.oneadsl.it/18/11/2010/ecco-la-copertura-del-servizio-wimax-di-telecom-italia/
  11. ↑ http://www.corrierecomunicazioni.it/tlc/21697_rota-digital-gap-dal-wimax-ottimi-riscontri.htm
  12. ↑ http://www.linkemclubitalia.com
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