When questioned about the rumor a spokesperson at TIM would only comment to the press: It is not true; we deny it,.
TIM executives have repeatedly reported that the company intends to focus on high-growth markets, particularly Latin America, where it holds extensive interests. Outside of Italy the group has a limited European presence which perhaps led to the speculation.
On its part, BT has been planning to float up to 25% of Wireless, which includes Cellnet in Britain, in the second half of the year to help it cut a third off a debt pile heading for GBP 30 billion. However, a spokesman for the company said earlier this week that BT was open to a mixture of a demerger and an initial public offering.
