During the meeting for the launch of the “Minor Islands Connection” Plan, the focus was on promoting the diffusion of ultra-fast connectivity on the smaller islands and enabling modern digital services for the benefit of businesses, citizens and local governments. The event took place in Palermo on the Teliri cable-laying ship and included institutional actors and the media. The participants included the undersecretary of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Innovation, Alessio Butti, the head of the Department for digital transformation, Angelo Borrelli, the President of the IX Transport Commission, Posts and Telecommunications of the Chamber of Deputies, Salvatore Deidda, the Mayor of Palermo, Roberto Lagalla, the Councilor for Productive Activities of the Sicilian Region, Edy Tamajo, the Presidency Table Member of the Parliamentary Intergroup “Southern Development, fragile areas and smaller islands”, Francesco del Deo, the President of Infratel Italia, Alfredo Maria Becchetti and the General Director of Electra Elio Rubino.
During the meeting, Undersecretary Alessio Butti emphasized the importance of ultra-fast networks in connecting island communities and how it represents an investment in their economic development. President of Infratel Italia, Alfredo Maria Becchetti, highlighted the role of digitalization in economic growth and social development, especially in island areas. General director of Elettra Tlc, Elio Rubino, expressed his company’s commitment to contributing to the economy and daily lives of residents through the installation of optical connections.
The “Minor Islands Connection” plan is financed and promoted by the Department of Digital Transformation with an investment of over 45 million euros from the Pnrr and is implemented by Infratel Italia, with Elettra Tlc as the operator successful bidder. The plan aims to provide adequate connectivity to 21 smaller islands, which are currently characterized by a high level of digital divide. Through the laying of submarine and terrestrial optical cables, the plan enables modern digital services for businesses, citizens and local PAs.
The funding will impact 21 islands in the regions of Lazio, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany and Sardinia. This includes Capraia, Levanzo, Marettimo, Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea, Stromboli, Pantelleria, Linosa, Lampedusa, Ustica, Ponza, Ventotene, Santo Stefano, San Pietro, Asinara, San Nicola, San Domino. Sicily is particularly affected, with 62% of the islands included in the plan. Overall, the plan aims to bridge the infrastructure gap and accelerate digital solutions for every area of the country.