Part of €2 billion EU-funded Italian scheme to push 5G
Telecom Italia (TIM) has won contracts worth €725 million ($755.67 million) in a government tender to build 5G networks, the Italian ministry for technological innovation and digital transition announced on Monday. Earlier this year, noted Reuters, the EU Commission approved a €2 billion Italian scheme to support the roll out of 5G mobile networks to underserved areas through its Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Direct grants
Under the scheme, that will run until 30 June 2026, the aid will take the form of direct grants to electronic communications services providers. “This will enable consumers and business 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,” said EU Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager.
Plan close to completion
The awarded tender included six geographical lots, with financing covering up to 90% of the total cost of the works, the ministry said, adding that all other interested operators would get wholesale access to the financed infrastructure. “With the award of the first tender for the development of 5G we are even closer to complete the government’s plan to connect the whole of Italy with ultra-high-capacity networks,” said Innovation Minister Vittorio Colao.