From digital divide to digital proximity: the story of the network that changed Italian telecommunications
In 2025, Assoprovider opens a new chapter in its history with the launch of a international collaboration project that starts from the agreement with AOTEC, the main Spanish association of local telecommunications operators.
Objective: strengthen the representation of proximity operators European level and contribute to the definition of the future digital regulation of the European Union, starting from the consultation on Digital Networks Act (DNA).
"This alliance strengthens the visibility of proximity operators in Brussels, at a crucial moment for the future of the sector," they stated Antonella Oliviero, President of Assoprovider, and Antonio García Vidal, President of AOTEC.”
Since 1999, Assoprovider today represents 173 small and medium-sized telecommunications enterprises, technological hubs rooted in the territory that provide tailored services and immediate responses, even in marginal areas and small centers. This model of digital proximity, embodied in the registered trademark "Operatori di Prossimità", distinguishes our members from the major national players and concretely contributes to reducing the digital divide.
Over its more than 25 years of activity, the association has been able to transform the telecommunications market with historic battles—from the liberalization of WiFi to the abolition of the installer license—and with cultural initiatives such as technical-regulatory guides, webinars, podcasts, and the OpenTLC news outlet. During the pandemic, Proximity Operators demonstrated their full social value by enhancing infrastructures free of charge to meet the increased user demands and supporting local communities.
Today more than ever, joining Assoprovider means participating in a qualified and widespread network, capable of speaking the "local language" and being a true bridge between innovation and territory. Collaborating with the association is equivalent to having 173 "technological branches" distributed throughout Italy and, now, a direct channel of representation in Europe as well.
The battles won and the projects initiated have created new growth opportunities for the entire sector, as recounted in the following timeline.
2025: New European Alliances
Assoprovider signs a framework agreement with AOTEC, the main Spanish association of local operators, to strengthen the representation of proximity operators and contribute to the definition of future European digital regulation, starting with the consultation on the Digital Networks Act (DNA).
2023-2024: The Battle of the Piracy Shield
- Appeal to the TAR of Lazio against the implementation of the platform.
- Request for access to documents for inhibition measures.
- Complaint to the Court of Auditors for possible financial damage.
- Dispute over the incorrect blocking of Google Drive.
- Appeal to the Council of State.
- Concrete actions for system modification and greater guarantees for operators.
2022-2023: Consolidation and Innovation
- Publication of regulatory guidelines for Municipalities and ISP/WISP.
- Opposition to ISP control over user activities.
- Campaign against the mandatory use of PEC.
- Battle for the repeal of the installers' license.
2020-2021: Evolution and New Challenges
- Launch of OpenTLC as the association's journalistic publication.
- Opposition to the single network not dedicated to wholesale.
- Creation and registration of the trademark "Operatori di Prossimità".
- Launch of the Spotify channel with podcasts dedicated to network battles.
- Support for members during the COVID-19 emergency.
2013-2015: Innovation and Territory
- Collaboration with the Umbria Region for regional law 31/2013.
- Partnership with GARR for the initiative "Conoscere Internet".
- Pioneering projects for bridging the digital divide.
2005: The Year of Great Victories
- Historic victory: Telecom fined for abuse of dominant position (152 million fine).
- Intense campaign for WiFi liberalization.
- Demonstrations with sit-ins at Montecitorio and Palazzo Madama.
- Approval of the Landolfi decree on WiFi liberalization.
2002-2003: Fundamental Legislative Victories
- Approval of the historic "Legge Salva Provider" (Law No. 59/2002).
- Recognition of ISPs as telecommunications operators.
- Equating with other market operators in negotiations with Telecom.
1999-2000: The Birth and the First Battles
- July 1999: Foundation of Assoprovider to counter the impact of Libero.it on the market.
- First mobilization for the recognition of ISPs as telecommunications operators.
- Creation of a network of 90 independent providers in just two months.
1999-2000: The Birth and the First Battles
- July 1999: Foundation of Assoprovider to counter the impact of Libero.it on the market
- First mobilization for the recognition of ISPs as telecommunications operators
- Creation of a network of 90 independent providers in just two months
2002-2003: Fundamental Legislative Victories
- Approval of the historic "Provider Protection Law" (Law No. 59/2002)
- Recognition of ISPs as telecommunications operators
- Equating with other market operators in negotiations with Telecom
2005: The Year of Great Victories
- Historic victory: Telecom fined for abuse of dominant position (152 million fine)
- Intense campaign for WiFi liberalization
- Demonstrations with sit-ins at Montecitorio and Palazzo Madama
- Approval of the Landolfi decree on WiFi liberalization
2013-2015: Innovation and Territory
- Collaboration with the Umbria Region for regional law 31/2013
- Partnership with GARR for the initiative "Conoscere Internet"
- Pioneering projects for bridging the digital divide
2020-2021: Evolution and New Challenges
- Launch of OpenTLC as the association's journalistic publication
- Opposition to the non-wholesale dedicated single network
- Creation and registration of the trademark "Operatori di Prossimità"
- Launch of the Spotify channel with podcasts dedicated to network battles
- Support for members during the COVID-19 emergency
2022-2023: Consolidation and Innovation
- Publication of regulatory guidelines for Municipalities and ISP/WISP
- Opposition to ISP control over user activities
- Campaign against the mandatory use of PEC
- Battle for the repeal of the installers' license
2023-2024: The Battle of the Piracy Shield
- Appeal to the TAR of Lazio against the implementation of the platform
- Request for access to documents for inhibition measures
- Complaint to the Court of Auditors for possible financial damage
- Dispute of the erroneous block of Google Drive
- Appeal to the Council of State
- Concrete actions for system modification and greater guarantees for operators