Lombardia implements hybrid satellite and fiber network for remote areas

Lombardia has launched a technological experiment to bridge the digital divide in remote and mountainous areas by integrating satellite, fiber optic, and wireless technologies. The initiative, a collaboration between the Department for Digital Transformation, the Lombardy Region, and ARIA S.p.A., aims to provide high-quality digital services where traditional terrestrial networks are too costly or complex to install.

The project involves a consortium of Fastweb and Telespazio, with scientific support from the University of Pavia. Funded by 5 million euros from the government and 1.5 million euros from the regional government, the pilot program has been tested across 16 municipalities in nine provinces. The model uses satellite segments as a transport bridge to the national network, while local homes and businesses utilize fiber, copper, or Wi-Fi.

In a separate infrastructure development, FiberCop has begun installing a Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network in Mandello del Lario. This project aims to replace existing fiber-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) connections with direct fiber-to-building links to increase speeds. Excavation work is expected to continue through May 2027 to ensure widespread high-speed access across the municipality.