A was signed Memorandum of Understanding between state Railways and Government to favor the diffusion of ultra-fast networks of new generation, both in optical fiber and in 5G, throughout the country, along the 16 km of railway network of the FS Group. The agreement will have a duration of three years. The Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council with responsibility for technological innovation, Alessio Butti, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and the Chief Executive Officer of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane SpA, Luigi Ferraris.
A co-financing of 500 million is foreseen
The agreement falls within the scope of the investment plan of the Pnrr (Investment 3.1 of Mission 1, Component 2 of the Pnrr). The Department for Digital Transformation of the Presidency of the Council will employ a co-financing, up to the overall maximum value of 550 million of euros, for the construction of a fiber optic backhaul and of a5G mobile radio infrastructure, publicly owned, with priority along high-speed routes.
The objectives of the agreement
There are several objectives of the agreement triennial:
- Take advantage of the capillarity of the railway network to lay a fiber optic cable for public use, which, with an extension of up to 16.000 km, can encourage the development of new generation fixed and mobile communication networks, to the benefit of the entire country system, starting from the areas where connectivity problems still exist today
- Spread new generation mobile networks along the main national communication lines and trans-European corridors, creating a publicly owned 5G multi-operator mobile radio infrastructure, with priority along the high-speed sections, able to ensure continuous coverage, even in the tunnel sections, with 5G services , to improve logistics, safety and passenger services
- Contribute to the creation of digital platforms necessary for the predictive monitoring of the country's critical infrastructures, from sensors to the data centers necessary for the management of data flows
“I am very satisfied with this agreement that sees ours Gigabit Rail & Road project join the more broad national design of digital transformation promoted by the Government. The capillarity of our railway network will allow us to bring optical fiber to areas that are not covered much or not at all, to improve connectivity and thus become an enabling factor for multiple digitization processes. For the benefit of our travellers, but also of businesses, citizens and, last but not least, a more effective monitoring of our railway and road infrastructures, which for around 12 km walk close to each other." he has declared Luigi Ferraris, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane.
“It is an important step forward in the digitization of the country and represents a driving force for the economy, development, connections. The signed Memorandum of Understanding will encourage the spread of new generation networks, both in optical fiber and in 5G, throughout the country, not only enhancing the railway infrastructure but also in favor of all citizens. I believe that overcoming the digital divide and implementing infrastructural networks is a necessary element for Italy's competitiveness" commented the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini.
“Today's protocol is an important act to respond to the needs of ultra-fast connectivity. With the capillary network of State Railways we will significantly enhance both fiber optic and 5G coverage in less connected areas, thus making all areas of our country increasingly competitive, at the service of citizens and businesses" declared the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso.
“The agreement signed today is an important piece of the Review of the Ultra Broadband Strategy that we brought to the first Interministerial Committee for the digital transition. With this Protocol we strengthen the digitization processes, also along the railway networks, with the aim of promoting the diffusion of high-performance connectivity throughout the national territory and in the more peripheral areas. Focusing on cooperation and institutional synergies we respond concretely to the country's need for fast connectivity, enhancing the existing connection networks, simplifying the accessibility of digital services and thus improving the quality of life of all citizens” was the thought of Alessio Butti, Undersecretary with responsibility for technological innovation
