Glossary

Italian telecommunications terms

If you're moving to Italy, you'll need to know some of the basic terms that providers are likely to use, as well as some Italian terminology and calling plans.

Convergenza (convergence) consists of using the same device for internet traffic, voice and data services.

Ultimo miglio (last-mile) refers to the last part of the cable connecting telephone stations to final users. The cost of the installation of these cables is very expensive, and the providers base their fee on this cost. If you live in a remote area, you may have to pay higher installation charges.

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) transmits information at high frequencies on existing phone lines. In Italy, your provider will use the English acronym, “ADSL”.
Connessioni via cavo (cable connections) transmit information over a cable television infrastructure to a modem and are the main competitor to ADSL internet services.
Dial-up uses existing copper phone lines to connect to the internet at a slower speed than ADSL. through a modem. Your internet provider will call this “dial-up” (rather than an obscure Italian term).

You may be familiar with some of the terms and packages in English. However, they may look a little different in Italian:

• Accesso ordinario a consumo (ordinary consumer access) is suitable for people who use the internet more for curiosity, and just for few hours per week.
• Accesso ordinario flat (ordinary flat access) charges a monthly subscription to surf the net any time. It's fit for people who want to surf the net regularly and who don't have to download a large volume of information in a short time.
• Accesso ADSL a consumo (ordinary consumer ADSL access) uses telephone lines to transfer digital information very quickly. ADSL gives high-speed internet access, and it's suitable for those who are not consistent in how much they surf the internet.
• Accesso ADSL flat (ADSL flat access) allows you to check your charges. It's suitable for people who need to work or study a lot by internet and need to download a lot of content.
• Accesso satellitare (satellite access) allows you access to high speed internet surfing even to those people who need internet for working or studying but they haven't the chance to access to internet by ADSL system.