Ultra broadband coverage 'for 21% of homes by 2018'

(ANSA) - Capri, October 9 - 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.