How FiberCop and MTN are Connecting Remote Areas in Italy

FiberCop and MTN have announced a new partnership which sees the two companies collaborate to offer high-speed connectivity across Italy to create high-performance backhaul and last-mile services through the integration of satellite backhaul and access to fibre in remote areas across Italy.

As a company which runs Italy’s most advanced, extensive and widespread digital network infrastructure, FiberCop’s partnership with FMC GlobalSat and its subsidiary MTNSat (MTN) ,a leader in satellite network operations, is strategic and crucial in providing connectivity across remote areas.

The news follows FiberCop signing a joint letter that argues Europe’s digital sovereignty and competitiveness depend on swift and decisive regulatory action.

The letter highlights the investment already made by European operators.

First of its kind architecture

The agreement between FiberCop and MTN highlights a first of its kind architecture which has been developed worldwide over LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite networks.

As one, the companies have successfully executed tests with hybrid network architectures which place LEO satellite capabilities into terrestrial infrastructures and purposely combines fibre access within LEO satellite backhauling.

Currently, a fully integrated architecture has been implemented within a terrestrial network environment using a protocol for Terrestrial Networks, Layer2+PPPoE.

Alma Fazzolari, Director of Strategic Governance at FiberCop, says: "It was an extraordinary moment to witness the first data transfer over a hybrid terrestrial-satellite architecture combining fibre access with satellite backhaul. 

“We were all aware we were experiencing, altogether and with strong team spirit, a historic milestone for the future of telecommunications. 

“This initiative confirms FiberCop's role as a technology operator for the development of cutting-edge connectivity solutions. 

“The integration of fibre access and satellite backhaul represents a strategic evolution of our infrastructure, allowing us to extend ultrabroadband coverage even in the most logistical and geographically complex areas."

Connecting remote areas

The project will bring high-speed broadband access to remote towns across Italy, including places where it is challenging to build regular full-terrestrial networks to connect customers.

Emmanuel Cotrel, CEO of FMC GlobalSat/MTN, says: "This project marks a pivotal moment for both FiberCop and FMC GlobalSat/MTN and more importantly, for digital connectivity and access in Italy. 

“Thanks to the power of our LEO satellite networks and FiberCop's leading fibre infrastructure, communities around the country will no longer be limited by the cost or physical barriers of laying fibre in remote terrains."

The unique partnership between FibreCop and FMC GlobalSat connects two of the current industry leaders within the terrestrial and satellite connectivity industry.