(Telecompaper) Brazilian operator Oi and Telecom Italia have begun talks over a possible merger of Oi and TIM Brasil, according to unnamed sources cited by Reuters. The companies are looking to take advantage of an expected easing of Brazilian regulatory rules governing such a merger, said the sources, adding that the board of Telecom Italia is negotiating directly with Oi CEO Bayard Gontijo. Although talks could establish the basis for a final proposal to combine Oi and Telecom Italia-controlled TIM, the value of a potential deal hasn't yet been discussed, added the report.