Italian 5G grows thanks to new investments

Over two billion euros will be on the table for the future development of 5G networks in Italy. Thanks to two new calls for tenders containing incentives for the creation, by 2026, of new 5G infrastructures in areas of Italy where commercial operators haven't, so far, invested. These "disadvantaged" areas must now be covered with public investments, replicating an approach already used to bridge the gaps in the national wired fiber network.

These measures, says Italian Ministry for Technological Innovation, are the first national public move "to help building the mobile network infrastructures needed for 5G development in those areas that aren't appealing for commercial market".

A first call for tenders subsidize the connection of existing cellular base stations with fiber optic fixed lines. A second call covers new network infrastructure (from fiber links to electronic components) for 5G connections with bandwidth of at least 150 Mbps in downlink and 30 Mbps in uplink.

Thanks to these investments in 5G networks, Ministry explains, it will be possibile "to meet the needs for mobile connectivity and for innovative, high-performance mobile services even in areas not included in the existing plans". Everything will be "in compliance with European legislation on state aid": Italian authority Agcom will oversee and double check public spending. An important issue in the Italian mobile market, which is already overcrowded and overcompetitive and where every little financial help counts a lot.

Recently, Italian government issued many calls for tenders covering fixed network infrastructure. A total of 4,3 billion euros will be invested in the next few years to connect with broadband services schools, hospitals, small islands and other areas still without fiber optic coverage.