Investments in the development of fixed ultra-fast connections, such as Vodafone fibre-optics at 1Gbps, and mobile, with 4G and 4.5G technologies, have a major impact on the country’s wellbeing.

In particular, studies published in recent years have demonstrated a correlation between the use of digital infrastructure and the growth of GDP and employment in a country. In fact, the coexistence of available infrastructure and the widespread use of the same offers the possibility to develop new services, increase process productivity, also through the spread of new Machine-to-Machine and Internet of Things technologies, and ease the transition of entire economic sectors towards more efficient models¹.

These studies point out that the creation of a latest generation telecommunications network not only produces network construction effects, but also enables the spread of new technologies, which in turn create spillover effects across the country.

First of all, the impact on national GDP and employment is linked to the capital invested and the creation of new jobs necessary for the design, construction and subsequent management of the new network.

At the same time, these investments create new economic opportunities for companies and organisations, obtainable in particular following the diffusion of new technologies and devices for their use. A high-speed network offers users the possibility of distance learning and communication, access to new public and private services, and allows businesses to access new markets, modernise the organisation, invent new services, be more competitive thanks to Smart Working solutions, IT systems, and traceability and security systems. Broadband and ultra-broadband connections also allow the Public Administration to offer online services and information to citizens and to set up Smart City and Smart Health management models. These new opportunities thus translate into new businesses that generate economic wealth and additional jobs. 

¹ Specific reference is made to the following studies: “L’impatto degli investimenti in NGN sullo sviluppo economico del Paese”, AGCOM – Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni [“How investments in NGN impact the economic development of the country”, Italian Communications Regulator] (2010); “Wireless Broadband infrastructure: a catalyst for GDP and job Growth 2013-2017”, PCIA-The Wireless Broadband Infrastructure (2013); ”The impact of Broadband on Jobs and the German Economy”, Dr. Raul L. Katz – Adjunct Professor, Columbia Business School, Director of Business Strategy Research, Columbia Institute for Tele-Information (2010).