Pirelli withdraws from Italian 3G auction

NEWS Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has pulled out of the race to win a UMTS licence. The company had been part of a joint bid with web group e.Biscom and Milan utility AEM in the Dix.it consortium. The continued participation of Dix.it came into question after one of its major backers Banca di Roma switched teams to join with rival consortium Ispe. Ispe is a group of companies headed by Rome utility Acae. The remaining members of the Dix.it consortium are expected to join Ispe. Other organisations include Spain's Telefonica and Agnelli family holdings Fiat and IFIL. State railways Ferrovie dello Stato and Edintel are also expected to join.