Italian lawmakers propose a plan to place Italy in line with European broadband standards and make it simpler and cheaper for citizens to access wireless internet.
Legislators in Italy have proposed a free Wi-Fi plan for the country. The new plan aims to place the country on the same level as other European nations in terms of public Wi-Fi penetration, digital and e-government services. Italy is staggering behind the rest of Europe in terms of broadband penetration, with broadband speeds scarcely exceeding 30 Megabits per second, with less than 1% of the population having access to these speeds. The European average, on the other hand, is 6%.
The initiative would help boost the country’s economy by pumping 5 million euros into the plan over three consecutive years. The budget would go towards the purchasing of equipment and the setting up of infrastructure. The proposal has already gained support from over 100 members of the Italian parliament, and the bill will be presented in the middle of 2015. If implemented, public spaces such as airports, government buildings, courts, taxis and large shopping areas would provide access to free no-password wireless connections for citizens and visitors. one of the main points of the proposal is that it would aid in boosting economic sectors such as tourism and assist the recovery of an ailing Italian economy.
Citizens would benefit directly from the plan as high prices and an inadequate infrastructure are the main reasons why Italian households lack internet access. These problems are faced by nations all over the world and a new culture is emerging where Wi-Fi access is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury as communication using the internet progresses towards becoming a worldwide norm and an essential business tool.
Due to this, countries are realising that broadband is no longer just a private business but also forms a part of government infrastructure. The Italians are joining New Yorkers and Cape Townians who have already initiated similar plans. These plans support the belief that Wi-Fi will likely be a free service wherever you go in the future and not just a paid tool for the lucky few.
The world is becoming smaller as more and more people connect to the internet.