Italy’s infrastructure agency, Infratel, has announced the launch of a second initiative, which aims to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure to the country’s small-island communities.
This initiative forms part of the “Collegamento Isole Minori” (“Minor Islands Connection”) project, which falls under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The current tender, valued at EUR 8 million, targets islands not included in the initial project phase, and will focus on installing 73 kilometers of undersea fiber optic cables and an additional 19 kilometers of terrestrial wires.
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Enhancing Connectivity for Island Communities
The islands included in the second phase of this ambitious project are Piombino-Elba, Capri-Massa Lubrense, Bacoli-Procida, Procida-Ischia, Levanzo-Favignana, Argentario-Giglio, and Palau-La Maddalena. These regions will benefit significantly from improved connectivity, allowing residents and businesses to access high-speed internet services essential for economic growth and social inclusion.
The first phase of the “Minor Islands Connection” project, which aimed to connect 21 smaller islands along the coasts of Lazio, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Sardinia, was awarded to Elettra Tlc SpA, a subsidiary of Orange, in 2022. This phase involved the installation of nearly 900 kilometers of cable and was officially launched at the end of last year. The successful implementation of this initial phase has paved the way for further developments, demonstrating Italy’s commitment to bridging the digital divide between mainland and island communities.
Infratel’s latest initiative aims to enhance connectivity in remote areas and aligns with the broader sustainability and technological advancement goals outlined in Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The government seeks to empower small island communities by improving access to high-speed internet, fostering economic opportunities, and encouraging digital innovation in previously underserved regions.
As Italy continues to invest in its digital infrastructure, the “Collegamento Isole Minori” project stands out as a crucial step toward ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their geographical location, can participate fully in the digital economy and access essential online services.