An EU-funded project has improved the mobile and data transmission network in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in north-east Italy, by installing high-performance telecommunications infrastructure. Carried out with minimal environmental impact, the upgrades resulted in better connectivity in sparsely populated places where broadband coverage was previously inadequate.
Better mobile, data transmission services in Bolzano, Italy
- 29 January 2020
The project has improved technological and market conditions, achieved socio-economic objectives and contributed to the sustainable achievement of the objectives of the ‘Investing in the future’ operational programme.
The project targeted: Fennberg/Favogna in the municipality of Kurtasch/Cortaccia, Matsch/Mazia in the municipality of Mals/Malles, Schwemmalm/Alpe Guazza in the municipality of Ulten/Ultimo and Timmelsjoch/Passo Rombo in the municipality of Moos-Rabenstein/Moso-Corvara in Passira.
Benefiting some 80 000 people, the project involved construction of transceiver systems – devices that both transmit and receive communications – and investment in equipment for provision of mobile telephone and 4G mobile data traffic services.
Thanks to this infrastructure, it was possible to get national mobile telephone operators to agree to offer services in the target areas for at least 10 years. The operators undertook, at their own expense, to update the equipment to keep it in line with the latest technological standards.
Bridging the digital divide
The lack of digital mobile coverage in rural parts of the province had led to a growing digital divide. The difficulty in accessing broadband had forced many local companies to either relocate or cease trading, which reduced the attractiveness of the area to inward investment and also led to depopulation.
The project was intended to bridge this divide, thereby better meeting the needs of a digital society and enhancing possibilities for economic and social development in the areas involved, in accordance with EU norms and within a perspective of fostering a European sense of belonging.
Given the high Alpine location in which the tasks were performed, and the timeframe for their implementation of 268 calendar days, the work required maximum effort on the part of the project team and stretched the machinery and technology used to its limit.
Economic growth and support for emergency services
Following its installation, the new infrastructure supported promotion of community life, creating conditions for improved social and cultural wellbeing, both on an individual and collective level. At the same time, it made it easier for people in difficulty to contact rescue teams – a vital feature given the region’s mountainous terrain.
Indirectly, the project contributed to maintaining numerous jobs in the restaurant, tourism and craft sectors. Studies demonstrate that the networks it has provided should lead to per capita economic growth of 1-1.5 % in the beneficiary areas.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Mobile and data transmission network improvement” is EUR 4 108 647, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 1 427 088 through the “Autonomous Province of Bolzano” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Competitiveness of the economic system”.