The “Connecting Small Islands” plan was launched with the aim of providing ultra-fast connectivity to smaller islands and enabling modern digital services for businesses, citizens, and local governments. This initiative took place on the cable-laying vessel Teliri in Palermo and was attended by institutional actors, the media, and representatives of Elettra Tlc.
Alessio Buti, the Prime Minister’s undersecretary in charge of innovation, emphasized the importance of connecting smaller islands with ultra-fast networks and how this represents an investment in their economic development. Alfredo Maria Becchetti, president of Infratel Italia, also highlighted the significance of ensuring adequate connectivity with smaller islands and bridging the infrastructure gap.
Elettra Tlc expressed its pride in contributing to the strengthening of the economy of small islands through its role as a company responsible for installing fiber connections for the Plan. The plan aims to ensure adequate connectivity to 21 smaller islands primarily located in Sicily. The laying of submarine and terrestrial fiber optic cables will enable modern digital services such as ultra-broadband services, mobile services, and potential 5G technology on these islands. 62% of the affected islands are located in Sicily.