Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 6 hrs ago
Users struggle to activate Italy’s fiber internet despite network coverage
Customers in Italy are reporting that they cannot sign up for fiber internet even when their addresses appear to be covered.
Some cannot find a provider to take their order, while others face missed appointments, long waits or technical failures.
The service involved is FTTH, which brings fiber-optic cable to the home.
Network coverage does not mean that households and businesses have actually taken up the service, and the gap between the two has drawn attention to activation problems.
Retail providers say many obstacles lie with the wholesale network operators, while Open Fiber and FiberCop point to issues such as permits, building access and blocked internal infrastructure.
The companies also cite outdated or mismatched address records, installation procedures and costs as possible problems.
They have suggested measures including better records and clearer failure procedures, but no single solution is agreed.
Users in Italy are reporting difficulty activating fiber internet even when their addresses appear to have network coverage.
Reported problems include providers not accepting orders, missed technician appointments, long waits and unexplained technical rejections.
Retail providers blame problems with wholesale operators’ procedures, while wholesale operators point to technical and infrastructure obstacles.
The issues highlight a gap between theoretical network coverage and actual take-up of fiber services.
- Who
- Italian users seeking fiber-to-the-home service, and the wholesale and retail operators involved.
- What
- Users report that they cannot activate fiber internet despite apparent coverage.
- When
- Reported in an article published on October 11, 2026; the article says an earlier report appeared on August 8.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- Operators cite a mix of procedural, technical and infrastructure problems, including access difficulties, inaccurate databases and high wholesale costs.
Wholesale operators
Retail operators
Responsibility for failed activations
Wholesale operators
Open Fiber cites missing authorizations and rules allowing network termination points to be up to 40 metres from an address in some areas. FiberCop points to access difficulties and blocked internal infrastructure.
Retail operators
Retail providers say wholesale operators’ procedures are a major cause. TIM cites inaccurate databases and technicians who fail to attend appointments; other providers point to distance, building cabling or wholesale costs.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Il Sole 24 Ore published figures on the gap between fiber coverage and actual service take-up.
Il Sole 24 Ore published reports from users struggling to activate fiber service and responses from operators.
- Network type
- Fiber to the home (FTTH)
- Wholesale operators
- Open Fiber and FiberCop
- Retail operators named
- TIM, Vodafone+Fastweb, WindTre and Iliad
- Possible termination-point distance
- Up to 40 metres from an address in some areas
- Earlier coverage report
- August 8
Sources
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