TIM SA explores buyback of fibre unit stake in Brazil

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Operators; 03 February 2026; 8488 views

Brazilian operator TIM SA is reportedly in talks to reacquire its stake in fibre company I-Systems in a deal that could be valued at around BRL900 million (US$170 million), Reuters reported.

Telecom Italia, TIM SA’s parent company, sold its interest in the fibre business – then known as FiberCo - to IHS Towers in 2021 under a sale-and-leaseback arrangement.

In a filing to the securities regulator, TIM SA said it is in non-binding discussions with IHS Brazil over a potential buyback of the stake in I-Systems, although no agreement has been reached on price or deal structure.

If completed, the transaction would run counter to the recent trend of operators selling passive infrastructure assets to help fund costly 5G rollouts. Sources speaking to Reuters said the deal could be worth around BRL900 million, with Rothschild acting as advisor, and noted that Telecom Italia is keen to progress the transaction. Any agreement could be approved later this month when the company’s board meets to review full-year results.

TIM SA’s move would mirror that of rival Vivo, which regained ownership of its fibre venture FiBrasil last year.