EIB Approves €1 Billion for FiberCop to Expand Italy’s Ultrafast Broadband Network

The investment will support FiberCop’s plan to expand its Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, one of the most advanced broadband technologies available today.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a major financing package worth up to €1 billion for FiberCop to accelerate the expansion and modernisation of Italy's ultrafast broadband infrastructure, marking one of the country's largest digital connectivity investments in recent years.

The funding aims to strengthen Italy's fibre-optic network, reduce the digital divide, and help achieve both national and European Union digitalisation goals by expanding access to high-speed internet services across the country.

An initial tranche of €500 million was formally signed in Rome by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and FiberCop Chairman and CEO Massimo Sarmi.

The financing is backed by a guarantee under InvestEU, the European Union's flagship investment programme designed to support strategic projects that promote innovation, sustainability, and economic growth across Europe.

Major Boost for Italy's Digital Infrastructure

The investment will support FiberCop's plan to expand its Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, one of the most advanced broadband technologies available today.

FTTH infrastructure delivers internet connectivity directly through fibre-optic cables to homes and businesses, enabling extremely high internet speeds, improved reliability, and greater network capacity.

Through the new investment programme, FiberCop plans to connect an additional 5.8 million property units across Italy.

The company aims to reach a total of 20.3 million connected property units by the end of 2027, significantly increasing nationwide access to ultrafast broadband services.

Officials say the project will play a critical role in modernising Italy's digital infrastructure and ensuring that citizens and businesses can fully participate in the digital economy.

Focus on Reducing the Digital Divide

A key objective of the financing initiative is to reduce Italy's longstanding digital divide, particularly in underserved and economically weaker regions.

According to the EIB, around 40 percent of the planned investments will be directed toward areas included in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for southern Italy.

Southern Italy has historically faced gaps in digital infrastructure compared with more developed northern regions, limiting access to high-speed internet and digital services.

By expanding fibre-optic coverage in these regions, the project aims to:

• Improve internet accessibility

• Support local businesses and innovation

• Enhance education and remote learning opportunities

• Expand digital public services

• Encourage economic development and investment

The initiative is also expected to improve social inclusion by ensuring that rural and disadvantaged communities gain better access to modern digital technologies.

Support from the European Union's InvestEU Programme

The financing package is being supported through InvestEU, the European Union's investment programme aimed at mobilising public and private capital for strategic projects across Europe.

Through InvestEU, the EIB Group has already invested more than €6 billion in Italy in sectors including infrastructure, energy, innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.

EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti said investing in advanced digital networks is essential for Italy's future competitiveness and economic growth.

"Investing in modern, high-capacity digital networks will strengthen the country's competitiveness, support growth and ensure equal opportunities for citizens and businesses to access connectivity," she said.

"With this funding, we aim to reduce the digital divide, foster technological innovation and meet the digitalisation targets of Italy and the European Union."

The European Union has made digital transformation a central pillar of its long-term economic strategy, particularly under initiatives linked to green and digital transitions.

FiberCop Expands Its Role as Italy's Key Fibre Infrastructure Provider

FiberCop, established less than two years ago, manages one of Italy's most extensive digital infrastructure networks.

The company operates as a neutral infrastructure provider, offering telecommunications operators equal and sustainable access to its fibre network.

FiberCop Chairman and CEO Massimo Sarmi described the EIB financing as a strong endorsement of the company's industrial strategy and long-term vision.

"This initial EIB loan, less than two years after FiberCop was set up, provides firm recognition of the soundness of our industrial project," Sarmi said.

He added that access to financing from a major European institution highlights FiberCop's growing importance within Europe's digital infrastructure sector.

According to Sarmi, the company's neutral platform model helps create a more competitive telecommunications market while supporting Italy's broader growth and cohesion goals.

High-Speed Connectivity up to 10 Gbps

The financing will allow FiberCop to continue developing advanced FTTH fibre infrastructure capable of delivering internet speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps).

Such speeds are significantly faster than traditional broadband technologies and are increasingly important for:

• Cloud computing

• Artificial intelligence applications

• Remote work

• Streaming and digital entertainment

• Smart manufacturing

• E-commerce

• Digital healthcare services

The upgraded infrastructure is particularly important in areas that currently lack access to very high-capacity internet services.

Telecommunications operators using FiberCop's network will be able to provide improved digital services to households, businesses, and public institutions across the country.

Supporting Italy's Ultrafast Broadband Strategy

The EIB financing directly supports Italy's national Ultrafast Broadband Strategy, which seeks to expand nationwide gigabit connectivity and accelerate digital transformation.

The strategy aligns with broader European Union objectives to ensure widespread access to gigabit-speed internet by the end of the decade.

Italian authorities see digital infrastructure as critical for:

• Economic competitiveness

• Innovation

• Public administration modernisation

• Educational access

• Industrial productivity

• Regional development

The expansion of ultrafast broadband is also expected to contribute to Italy's post-pandemic economic recovery by enabling new digital business models and improving connectivity for remote communities.

Digital Infrastructure Becoming a Strategic Priority Across Europe

The FiberCop financing deal reflects a wider European trend toward prioritising digital infrastructure investment as economies become increasingly dependent on high-speed connectivity.

Governments and European institutions are accelerating investments in fibre networks, 5G infrastructure, cloud systems, and digital innovation to strengthen long-term competitiveness and technological independence.

Experts say projects like FiberCop's are essential for ensuring that Europe remains globally competitive in an increasingly digital economy.

By expanding fibre coverage and improving internet quality nationwide, Italy aims to position itself more strongly within Europe's digital transformation agenda while creating new opportunities for businesses, communities, and future innovation.