The Minor Islands Connection Plan has been launched to promote ultra-fast connectivity on smaller islands and enable modern digital services for businesses, citizens, and local governments. This ambitious plan was officially announced during 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, emphasized the importance of connecting smaller islands with ultra-fast networks as a significant investment in their economic development. Alfredo Maria Becchetti, President of Infratel Italia, also highlighted the significance of providing adequate connectivity to these islands and bridging the infrastructure gap.

Elettra Tlc is responsible for installing optical connections for the Plan and expressed their pride in contributing to the strengthening of the economy of the Minor Islands and improving the daily lives of residents. Financed and promoted by the Department of Digital Transformation with an investment of over 45 million euros from Pnrr, this Plan aims to provide adequate connectivity to 21 smaller islands primarily in Sicily.

Through laying submarine and terrestrial optical cables, this Plan aims to enable modern digital services such as ultra-broadband services, mobile connectivity services and potential services based on 5G technology on these 21 smaller islands. Sixteen out of these twenty-one islands are located in Sicily (62%), demonstrating this region’s commitment to providing better connectivity options for its residents.