The European Commission announced it has approved what it has dubbed a $2.1 billion “Italian scheme” made available through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) to roll out high-performing 5G mobile networks. The measure is part of Italy’s strategy to address the needs of citizens and businesses in the context of the digitalization of the country.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €2 billion Italian scheme, entirely funded via the RRF, will support the deployment of high performing 5G mobile networks. This will enable consumers and businesses to access high-quality 5G services, contributing to the economic growth of the country and to the EU’s strategic objectives relating to the digital transition.”
The scheme will run until June 2026 and will be entirely funded via the RRF. It includes the deployment of performant fixed and mobile networks. The aid will take the form of direct grants to electronic communications services providers. The measure will finance the deployment of:
- performant backhaul networks to connect the mobile base stations by 2026
- the necessary base stations to provide 5G mobile services offering speeds of at least 150 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload in those areas of Italy which, by 2026, will not be served by networks offering download speed above 30 Mbps
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