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Rome, February 16 (Adnkronos) - Optical fiber is an important "nervous system" for the era of artificial intelligence and ecological transition, which is indispensable for guaranteeing digital citizenship rights and Italian competitiveness in an international context.It is a picture taken from the research "Fiber for human value", presented at the workday entitled: "Fiber Switch: access to the future is now" at the Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome.
The event opened with an institutional greeting by Paolo Boccadelli, Rector of Louis University.The Fiber for Human Values study was created to offer scientific and independent views that will help the country take full advantage of advanced connectivity, and makes clear that the adoption of super-fast FTTH fiber is not a technical option, but an engine of development.It enables citizens, companies and institutions to fully participate in economic and democratic life.
During the event, Enco Peruffo, Vice President for Teaching and Director of the Research Center for Strategic Change "Franco Fontana" in Luis, and Davide Quaglione, Professor of Applied Economics at the University of Chieti in Pescara, gave a detailed presentation on the study "The Value of Optical Fiber, Pro Michelo Fiber, Pro Michelo Telecommunication System to the Polytechnic of Turin, elaborated on the study "Opening FTTH Fiber Optics: Engine for Sustainable Development", and the report "The Value of Optical Fiberfor Humanity". FTTH Fiber Deployment: Economic and Employment Implications for Italy" by Marco Vulpiani, Senior Partner, Economic Leader, Deloitte.
Lucrezia Busa, Head of Unit B3 Markets, Competition and Roaming, DG CNECT of the European Commission, Giacomo Lasorella, President of Agcom, and Alessio Butti, Vice-President of the Council responsible for technological innovation and digital transmission, also participated in the process with a video message.
More work, more productivity and quality of life using fiber optics.Deloitte's research highlighted how FTTH (fibre to the home) delivery generates economic, social and employment value in so-called "white areas".In fact, in the most remote or peripheral areas, where private operators have not invested and optical fiber has arrived thanks to the BUL program – financed by public funds and implemented by the company Open Fiber – it turns out that for every euro invested, 4.4 euros of GDP is generated.In addition, through the presence of the network, more than 16 billion additional GDP and more than 250 thousand jobs have been generated to date, as well as infrastructure investments resulting in the creation of 5.3 billion rupees and more than 90 thousand jobs.Tax revenues also recorded a significant contribution and the investment base alone is estimated to generate additional income of over 2.5 billion euros for the government.
In the scenario of complete replacement of copper with optical fibers, Deloitte also calculated the economic impact of BUL infrastructure in white areas: 29 billion euros to GDP and approximately 209,600 new jobs.
Secondo Marco Vulpiani, Senior Partner, Head of Deloitte Economics, la fibra FTTH "dimostra di essere un motore di inclusione, produttività e sviluppo territoriale: abilita smart working, innovazione delle imprese, modernizzazione dei servizi pubblici e valorizzazione delle comunità locali, favorendo lo sviluppo di imprenditoria locale e riducendo il fenomeno dello spopolamento dei piccoli centri ed aree remote. L’adozione dell’FTTH è quindi una priorità nazionale per ridurre il divario digitale e valorizzare tutto il territorio, sostenendo una crescita sostenibile, diffusa e resiliente dell’intero Paese".
The arrival of fiber benefits not only development but also social and environmental sustainability.The study by the Polytechnic of Turin specifically quantified the energy impact of the shutdown: energy consumption was reduced by 86%, equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 80,000 cars or the energy consumption of 30,000 homes.
Michela Mio, Professor of Telecommunications at the Polytechnic of Turin, said, "Each year lost in completing the migration not only hinders digital innovation, but also translates into direct energy and environmental costs for keeping outdated and energy-intensive technologies alive. But a sustainability imperative."
From the survey of Luiss "Fiber for Human Value", carried out with a sample of citizens, businesses and public administration, it is clearly seen that fiber is a "good experience" whose value is fully understood only after use, which produces a net increase in productivity and improves the quality of life of citizens.The report highlights how Italy, despite having achieved excellent infrastructure protection (71%), faces a "digitalization paradox" with an adoption rate stuck at 25% (DESI 2025), held back by cultural barriers and a digital skills deficit of 45.75% (against the EU average of 55.6%).
For companies, only one third uses FTTH fiber (36%), but those who use it grow 20% more than others in billing and personnel, and show a greater preference for digital transformation.The public administration also travels at two speeds: units connected in FTTH present significantly higher capacity data, with technical knowledge in depth up to 81.3% (compared to 51.9% of non-FTTH units).
Hence the strategic need at the national level to direct and facilitate the sale (switching off) of copper - a path that was also outlined at the community level by the European Commission in the Act on Digital Networks - and is accompanied by the necessary path of digital literacy.
"The country has regained ground and resources - said Alessio Butti, undersecretary of the president of the Council of Ministers for digital transformation, in his speech - and today fiber optic coverage in homes reaches 78% of households, reaching 18.4 million households. This level puts Italy on the path of progress in Europe compared, considering that the 20 percent increase in Europe and the digital industry is great. as they always travel under havepower: the first goal to achieve full adoption is the skills, the second is the introduction of digital services, going through the infrastructure and valorization of the network as a platform for high-quality digital public services.
