The commitment for innovation and convergence

Convergence was the challenge the Authority took up when it was established.

The fostering of new technologies – of great importance for the future of Italy – is among the main commitments of Agcom. Soon Umts – the third generation mobile system – will change the way people communicate and interact. Images, voices and data will be available on the same display: "total mobility" will thus be realized.

Agcom issued the regulation for the auction which resulted, in October 2000, in the release of five licenses.

Broadband technologies are revolutionizing the world of data transmission. By means of these new systems, using copper cable, optical fiber or radio-frequencies, communication moves speedily towards multimediality, becoming available to everybody at reasonable costs.

The Authority has been particularly concerned with the developing of broadband technology, adopting several measures to grant access to the incumbent’s network at fair and non-discriminatory conditions and issuing the regulation for the release of WLL (Wireless Local Loop) licences.

Agcom is also very interested in the evolution of Internet, both by a technological and a legal point of view.

A brand new legislative approach is needed in the light of the exceptionality of this medium, which makes difficult traditional rules to be applied. Issues like protection of minors and copyright should be adequately faced by means of "convergent" discipline.

For this purpose Agcom started a specific project whose results will be submitted to the Government.

In audiovisuals, innovation is well represented not only by the introduction of digital technology in broadcasting, but also by the recent Stream - Tele+ pay-tv agreement on symulcast transmission of programmes.

Innovation is also at the basis of frequent relations between Agcom, the academical world and several research institutes.

Two agreements have been recently stipulated with the University of Naples, Federico II, and the Politecnico of Milan, both of great importance for the development of the communications system in Italy.