Italian operator Fastweb has announced the launch of a new strategic vision called “Tu sei futuro” (“You are future”), under which it commits to investing some EUR 3 billion to bringing 5G coverage to 90 percent of the population, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections to 14.5 million residents and fixed wireless access (FWA) technology to 12.5 million homes and businesses by 2025-26. It will also continue to invest heavily in cloud and security with the deployment of two new data centres, an additional 40 edge nodes and a new Security Operations Centre in Bari.
In a statement, the company said the aim is to help people build “a more connected, more inclusive and more eco-sustainable future” under the guidance of a strategic vision based on the pursuit of the highest standards of social responsibility and environmental sustainability, as well as on a renewed commitment to the country’s infrastructural development.
Fastweb added that it has reached targets set a year ago under the ‘NeXXt Generation 2025’ plan to bring download speeds of up to 1Gbps to 400 small to medium-sized cities located in so-called ‘grey’ parts of the country via its ‘Ultra FWA’ network. That figure will rise to 2,000 localities and 12 million addresses by 2025, while its 5G network coverage will double from the current 45 percent to 90 percent over the same timeframe.
Presenting the plans, Fastweb CEO Alberto Calcagno said the Swisscom subsidiary will be transforming into a “benefit company” to strengthen its commitment to operating in a sustainable and transparent way in the interests of the community. “We want to combine business objectives with those that embrace communities and society,” he said during the presentation, according to website Cor.com, adding that “we want to bridge the digital divide not only from a technological and innovative standpoint but also as regards skills.”
In that regard, the company said it aims to improve the digital skills of some 500,000 people by 2025 via in-person training provided by the Fastweb Digital Academy as well “on-demand” content made available on the Academy’s digital platform.
The “Societa Benefit” legal status was introduced in Italy in 2016 to identify companies that pursue not only profit but also aim to create a positive impact for society and the environment.
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