L’Italia vista da oltremanica:

“Introducing the Italian web world
Italy’s population stands at 59.5 million of which, according to Nielsen//NetRatings, nearly 52% are online, accounting for approximately 30 million web users. Until recently broadband take up has been slower than in most other major European countries, mainly due to an absence of cable infrastructure. Reliance on DSL, with no competition from cable alternatives, has resulted in a relatively low broadband penetration rate.

However, this has changed over the past two years thanks to heavy investment in ADSL2+ and VDSL. The increase in broadband penetration has had a dynamic effect on web usage. In 2000 only 22% of the population (at the time 58 million) were online.

The telecommunications industry in Italy is a European leader. It boasts the second largest mobile penetration rate in Europe, in part due to multiple sim card ownership among consumers and also a large prepay card market. Mobile TV services have been launched by two of Italy’s largest operators, TIM and 3 Italia, which crowns Italy with the title of first country in Europe to have competing mobile TV services. High Speed Download Packet Access (HSDPA) has also been launched commercially, although still in very early stages. (source: Budde Comm )”

Of the start ups and innovators
To use one word that sums up the current techscape in Italy, it would have to be renaissance. The explosion of Web 2.0 and all its related activities – from start ups and venture funding to the repositioning of established brands, events and the growth of user generated content – has prompted an innovation revival on Italian shores.

[..] The cumulative effect of increased broadband penetration, the growth of Web 2.0 and the creation of support networks and start up incubation schemes has had a strikingly positive effect on innovation.[..]”

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