Italian telecom operators have
agreed to provide coverage for ultra broadband connections known
as FTTH (fiber to the home) to 21.4% of Italian homes by 2018,
up on last year's commitment to cover 2.4%, said Undersecretary
for Economic Development Antonello Giacomelli on Friday.
Giacomelli said the companies' pledges were "binding
commitments" that will determine the so-called "black areas"
where there won't be government incentives.
Giacomelli said 30 telecom operators participated in this
year's survey of their intentions regarding implementation of
ultra broadband, compared to just seven last year, and added
that the government "has done what it had to do - now it's time
for the operators to take action, which they're already doing".
Italian Premier Matteo Renzi has said ultra broadband is "a
strategic goal" for Italy, and that his government is aiming to
upgrade the country's communication infrastructure to ensure the
public can access ultra broadband Internet by 2020 at the
latest.
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