Italy Operators Reach Broadband Deal

Italian telecommunications operators have reached an agreement on technical aspects to build a high-speed broadband network, paving the way to a final deal for the creation of a countrywide fiber-optic infrastructure.

Deputy Minister for Communications Paolo Romani said Sept 17 that the telecom operators had agreed on the technical model for the transition to fiber from the current copper network, which may support different types of technologies. Minister Romani added that the next step will be a public consultation on existing fiber-optic infrastructure in Italy and investment plans to develop it. The Italian government and the main telecom operator have long debated the best way to expand access to high-speed broadband across the country, as Italy lags behind the rest of Europe in broadband penetration. But questions over financing and former monopoly Telecom Italia SpA's refusal to share control over its key fixed-line network have delayed Italy's broadband plans.