The Government is determined to create the conditions for a a single telecommunications network for the development of ultra-broadband through it unbundling of the Telecom network and its unification with that of Open Fiber (which is jointly controlled by Enel e CDP).
To create the regulatory framework for the operation, which it is not risky to define as strategic and which has been causing discussions in the country for years, will probably be presented an ad hoc amendment to the budget law under discussion in Parliament.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development confirmed it on TV last night, Luigi Di Maio, who however clarified: “There isn't no will to make proletarian expropriations, but we will ensure that a single Italian player is created that allows the dissemination of the internet and broadband for all citizens, communicating with all and thinking about jobs” considering that otherwise between 22 and 30 thousand workers would be at risk., according to the most recent estimates by the trade unions
Di Maio also specified that the Telecom dossier can be closed before the end of the year. In this regard, it is being studied a rate regulation mechanism to remunerate the managers' investments. In addition to the tariff node, however, we must understand how much personal and how much debt of the current Telecom network would end up merging into the new company resulting from the integration with Open Fiber.
A key role in the creation of a network and a unique company for ultra-broadband will certainly be played by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, which already controls Open Fiber jointly with Enel and which it also holds 4,2% of Telecom Italia which is crucial in the corporate balance that currently sees the French of Vivendi and the Americans of the Elliott fund in opposition.
The model that the Government seems oriented to follow is the one that led in the past to the spin-off and creation of Terna for the electricity grid and of Snam Rete Gas.
