T.Italia proposes more competitor access to network

MILAN, June 19 (Reuters) - Italian phone group Telecom Italia (TLIT.MI) is proposing to give competitors greater access to its Italian fixed-line network in a move to appease regulators.

Earlier this year Telecom Italia created a new division called Open Access that will manage independently the group's network separately from the company's services business, with the aim of ensuring equal access to the grid by all competitors.

On Thursday Telecom Italia said in a statement it will manage wholesale clients differently "to ensure complete and verifiable equal treatment" to all clients.

The move comes as Italy's telecommunications regulator, Agcom, holds talks with the phone group and competitors to decide how to increase competition.

The regulator may try to come to an agreement before it reports to parliament in mid-July. (Reporting by Mathias Wildt, editing by Phil Berlowitz)