According to reports, the Italian unit of Vodafone will, later today, announce a significant commercial agreement with Fastweb, the Italian broadband player.

The reports – which do not name sources – suggest the deal will enable Vodafone’s mobile clients to use some of Fastweb’s broadband services, although details were not provided.

One Italian report suggests the deal will not involve Vodafone buying broadband capacity wholesale, more a move toward converging the strengths of mobile and fixed-line.

Fastweb’s network covers most of Italy and is the country’s second largest operator.

More as this story develops.