Linkem

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] It 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 the Italian antitrust authorities required conditions the firm would not accept.[5] Specifically, Telecom Italia would have had to separate wi-fi from all other services, give up all exclusive licenses held by itself as well as those held by Linkem, and grant competitors roaming access to the network, ending discriminatory pricing.[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 Lira. 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]

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., was owned by several investment funds, including Ramius Capital Group, Vintage Investment, Leucadia, and 2G investments.

• Testimonial 2012–2013 in planning national TV: Belen Rodriguez and Francesca Piccinini
• Technology partner Fipav
• Title sponsor of the Italian club (Linkem Club Italy[12]) 2009–2010
• Official sponsor of the 'Foggia Calcio for the Pro League championship 2010–2011
• Official sponsor Avezzano Rugby 2011–2012
• Official sponsor Messina Volleyball 2011–2012
• Official sponsor of the San Nicola stadium in Bari 2012–2013
• Official sponsor of the basketball team Linkem NPC Rieti 2012–2013
• Official sponsor PlayOff Volleyball male Serie A 2012–2013