Proximity operators will benefit from reductions in contributions for the use of licensed point-to-point frequencies by 50 to 70% thanks to the transposition of the new European directive on telecommunications.
A fundamental objective for proximity operators: territorial Internet providers will benefit from substantial reductions for the use of licensed frequencies thanks to Italy's approval of the European Electronic Communications Code, with the publication in the Official Gazette of legislative decree 207/2021, which will officially come into force on December 24.
Let's talk about reductions in contributions for the use of licensed point-to-point frequencies ranging from 50 to 70%, especially in the frequency bands between 10 and 20 GHz. Assoprovider, which brings together over 250 proximity operators, rejoices. Over the years, the association has fought against a "market distortion" that saw significant discounts for large telecom operators and unsustainable costs for SMEs.
The association has been at the forefront in the battle for the reduction of contributions in recent years with amendment proposals, meetings with representatives of the Institutions, to raise awareness among politicians and citizens on the issue and has urged the Government in the last two years to adopt the new European Communications Code.
"This finally remedies an injustice where a few large users enjoyed a 75% discount on frequency purchases, with a 400% difference between the contribution paid by a small operator compared to the large user. Now the reduction is extended to everyone. This is a very important first step to bring equity to the telecom market and especially improve the quality of services offered to citizens," declares Dino Bortolotto, president of Assoprovider.
The advantages of a reduction for everyone, proximity operators and citizens
The reduction of contributions will allow proximity operators – namely those entities that have historically fought to bridge the digital divide by connecting small municipalities in areas considered to be at market failure. The prices of licensed point-to-point frequencies are now significantly lower for all proximity operators and therefore finally usable to reach "ultra-broadband" (1Gb/s) areas with few and very few users.
"This is a historic goal because it will allow local operators to complete the coverage of low-density areas. Finally, citizens of the smallest municipalities in Veneto, Calabria, Sardinia, or Sicily will be able to enjoy the same connectivity services that are guaranteed in a large metropolitan city," emphasizes Bortolotto.
Reductions in contributions from 50 to 70%
The new tables establishing the "annual contribution for the use of frequency resources" are contained in art. 5 of annex 12, which replaces the old art. 5 of annex 10 contained in the Communications CodeOfficial Gazette)
The decreases are more pronounced in certain bands. For example, for bandwidths up to 56 MHz, in the frequency band from 10 GHz, the old amount of 5,930 euros per year has been reduced to 2,120 euros, a reduction of 64%. Considering the overall framework, the reductions range from 50 to 70%.
"We started fighting against the disproportionate and discriminatory costs on the use of collective resources (the electromagnetic spectrum) already 10 years ago amidst the skepticism of many who labeled us as utopians, claiming it was impossible to change things. Despite everything, we have achieved another goal. The road is still long to bring equity to the telecom market, but another fundamental step has been taken thanks to Assoprovider's commitment," concludes Bortolotto.
