The “Minor Islands Connection” Plan was launched to promote ultra-fast connectivity on smaller islands and provide modern digital services for businesses, citizens, and local governments. The event took place on the Teliri cable-laying ship in Palermo and was 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 and how it represents an investment in their economic development. Alfredo Maria Becchetti, the President of Infratel Italia, also highlighted the significance of providing adequate connectivity to the smaller islands and bridging the infrastructure gap.

Elettra Tlc expressed their pride in contributing to the strengthening of the economy of the Minor Islands and improving the daily lives of residents through installing optical connections for the Plan. 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 will enable modern digital services such as ultra-broadband services, mobile connectivity services, and potential services based on 5G technology on these 21 smaller islands. Sixty-two percent of these islands are located in Sicily.