The launch of the “Minor Islands Connection” Plan is set to revolutionize the digital landscape on smaller islands by providing ultra-fast connectivity and enabling modern services for businesses, citizens, and local governments. This ambitious initiative was celebrated at an event held on the Teliri cable-laying ship in Palermo, attended by institutional actors, media, and representatives from Elettra Tlc.
Alessio Butti, the undersecretary of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Innovation, underscored the importance of connecting smaller islands with high-speed networks as a vital investment in their economic development. Alfredo Maria Becchetti, President of Infratel Italia, also highlighted the significance of ensuring adequate connectivity to these islands and bridging the infrastructure gap.
Elettra Tlc expressed pride in contributing to this effort by installing optical connections for the Plan. With an investment of over 45 million euros from the Pnrr, this initiative aims to provide adequate connectivity to 21 smaller islands across Sicily, primarily through laying submarine and terrestrial optical cables.
The goal is to enable modern digital services such as ultra-broadband internet services, mobile connectivity options, and potential access to 5G technology on these islands. Sixty-two percent of these affected islands are located in Sicily. The Minor Islands Connection Plan represents a significant step towards improving daily life on these remote communities while boosting their economic potential.