Various agencies and telecoms are working to advance Italy’s Investment 3 “Ultra-fast and 5G networks” rollout. Mobile Europe reported that Italy’s Digital Transformation Department, the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI), Infratel Italia, and the operators INWIT, Vodafone, TIM, and Open Fiber signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) — valid through June 30, 2026 — to accelerate the implementation of the Italy 1 Giga and Italy 5G operational plans.
“The objective of the MoU is to create the conditions necessary for the diffusion of ultra-fast networks and 5G throughout the national territory through operational agreements between municipalities and TLC operators,” said Undersecretary for Innovation Alessio Butti.
The initiative is part of the country’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Butti noted that the government wants municipalities to participate actively in the digital transformation. The MoU enables municipalities to join the project according to their needs.
“There are 7,901 municipal administrations to be reached with high-speed network infrastructures: we need connectivity to increase development opportunities for the territory and bring citizens closer to digital services without leaving anyone behind,” Butti added.
Mobile Europe reported that the MoU requires each operator to provide municipalities with an operating agreement. The protocol includes rules and guidelines to follow, regulations, collaboration procedures, work techniques, and a commitment from the operator to carry out the interventions correctly and promptly, as established by the plan.
“The availability of ultra-broadband connectivity throughout the country is an indispensable prerequisite for giving equal rights to all citizens and supporting the development of territories, whether they are metropolitan cities or small mountain or rural municipalities,” said ANCI president and mayor of Bari Antonio Decaro.
In August, the Undersecretary shared the National Strategy for Ultra-Broadband, a three-year action plan (2023-2026) to extend fixed and mobile access across the country. Italy will invest over $2.9 billion to connect to all households, including 1 Gbps or more fixed network coverage, with rural areas accessing at least 100 Mbps.
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