Telecom Italia Banda-Larga Mezzogiorno

Promoter – Financial Intermediary

Telecom Italia SpA

Location

• Italy

Description

The project consists of investment to modernise the promoter’s telecommunications infrastructure to provide advanced broadband services in the south of Italy, the so-called Mezzogiorno regions of the country, in 2005-2007. It comprises the roll-out of new business broadband services, the further expansion of existing consumer broadband services (xDSL) in terms of geographical coverage and performance, and the reinforcement of the optical fibre backbone and access network to enable future growth based on advanced broadband services.

Objectives

To expand broad-band telecoms service throughout the southern regions of Italy, this in order to lessen the risk of an emerging digital divide.

Comments

Telecoms and internet access fixed-network services.

Sector(s)

• Telecom

Proposed EIB finance (Approximate amount)

Up to EUR 700 million.

Total cost (Approximate amount)

The project cost is expected to be in the range of EUR 1,800 million.

Environmental aspects

The applicable EU Directive (1997/11/EC) does not consider telecoms service provision as a sector for which an EIA is necessary (not included in Annexes I and II). No major adverse environmental impacts are expected since investments cover mainly upgrades or extensions of plant in existing premises. Minor impacts may result from installation of new cable ducts and equipment shelters.

Procurement

Telecommunications is considered a competitive market and has been excluded from the scope of the EU Directive concerning “utility” supply contracts (2004/17/EC). The promoter is expected to apply efficient procurement procedures which will be verified during appraisal.

Status

Signed - 25/11/2005