The first phase of ultra-broadband development, a key prerequisite for the deployment of 5G, is currently underway and concerns those areas of the country where public intervention is necessary. This is being done within the framework of the 2014-2020 Digital Growth Strategy and the Italian Ultra-Broadband Strategy, with both national and European Union resources.
In this context, the National Federated Infrastructure Information System (SINFI) was established, and procedures for building fiber optic network infrastructure were simplified. A widespread public Wi-Fi network is also being developed. Regarding network and information system security, EU Directive 2016/1148 has been implemented.
The 2014-2020 Digital Growth Strategy and the Italian Ultra-Broadband Strategy provide the framework for the implementation of broadband and ultra-broadband in our country, a key prerequisite for the development of 5G. The first phase of ultra-broadband development, currently underway, concerns the so-called "white areas," where public intervention is required.
Resources for the development of ultra-broadband are both national and European Union. The foundation for the construction of network infrastructure was the creation of an "infrastructure register," which was implemented with Legislative Decree No. 33/2016, transposing Directive 2014/61/EU, which established the National Federated Infrastructure Information System (SINFI) to streamline and simplify procedures for the construction of fiber optic network infrastructure.
Legislative Decree No. 135 of 2018 introduced several provisions to simplify procedures for network deployment, also intervening on the provisions of Legislative Decree No. 33 of 2016.
Legislative Decree No. 119 of 2018 amended the Electronic Communications Code to facilitate the development of ultra-broadband networks. Specifically, the scope of intervention of the Communications Regulatory Authority has been strengthened with regard to functional separation and voluntary separation in relation to the wholesale provision of certain access products, with specific reference to network infrastructure.
Subsequently, Legislative Decree no. 18 of 2020 established that companies providing electronic communications networks and services must take measures and carry out any useful initiative aimed at strengthening infrastructure and ensuring the functioning of the networks and the operability and continuity of the services.
Legislative Decree no. 76 of 2020 introduced further simplification measures for network deployment.
Pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 18 of 2020, companies providing electronic communications networks and services are permitted to carry out excavation, installation, and maintenance of fiber optic communications networks by submitting a certified notification of commencement of activity (SCIA) to the competent local administration and the bodies responsible for carrying out inspections.
The report thus submitted is considered a single application for all aspects related to the construction of the infrastructure covered by the application. Simplification measures also apply to the installation of radioelectric systems of any technology and power.
To obtain permits, authorizations, and enabling documents, however named, relating to the installation of radioelectric system infrastructure, a certified notification of commencement of activity is sufficient.