In the technological landscape of 2025, the Starlink network and its creator, Elon Musk, continue to make headlines, not only for international political events but also for their revolutionary potential in global connectivity. In Italy, the national government and the Lombardy Region are focusing on satellite technology to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas.
A concrete initiative in this direction is the €5 million call for tenders recently published on the Sintel platform by Aria S.p.A., the regional company responsible for innovation and procurement. The goal is to launch a pilot project involving several provinces in Lombardy, divided into two lots: the first includes Sondrio, Como, Bergamo, Varese, Lecco, Brescia, Monza, and Brianza; the second covers Milan, Pavia, Cremona, Lodi, and Mantua.
A crucial opportunity for Oltrepò Pavese
One of the areas that could benefit the most from this initiative is Oltrepò Pavese, a region where mobile network coverage and internet access remain significantly inadequate. Many agricultural businesses, tourism activities, and even essential services struggle to operate due to unstable connections and low speeds.
The Region’s focus is particularly on rural and peripheral areas, where ultrabroadband network coverage is still insufficient. According to data from the Agcom Broadband Map, only 61.7% of Lombard households in rural areas have access to 100 Mbps connections. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is available for 43% of these homes, while the mixed fiber-copper network (FTTC) reaches 88%. Regions such as Puglia, Sicily, and Molise show better coverage.
The call for tenders includes the supply, installation, and maintenance of satellite equipment, along with the necessary connectivity services for the pilot project, in line with the National Ultra Broadband Strategy 2023-2026. The contract will have a maximum duration of 24 months, while installation and service activation must be completed within 4 months, with the possibility of an extension for another 4 months.
If the pilot project proves the effectiveness of satellite technology, areas like Oltrepò Pavese could finally overcome the digital divide that has held them back for years. With stable and fast connectivity, this region could better promote its rich food and wine heritage and natural beauty, fostering tourism and entrepreneurial development.
