Starting February 22, 2026, Telecom Italia (TIM) will adjust its prioritization process for fresh fixed-line network activations, giving equal weight to Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) coverage from both FiberCop and Open Fiber. This shift marks a significant change in how TIM connects customers, and simultaneously, the company will discontinue the availability of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology.
The move signals TIM’s intention to streamline its fixed network technology offerings based on available coverage at the customer’s location. Currently, FiberCop’s FTTH network is prioritized over all other fixed network technologies, including Open Fiber’s FTTH, which cannot be activated if FiberCop coverage is present. This practice will change with the new policy.
A Level Playing Field for FTTH Providers
Beginning February 22, 2026, TIM will allow customers to activate fixed-line service using Open Fiber’s FTTH network – encompassing “White Areas,” “Black Areas,” and “Grey Areas” – even when FiberCop FTTH coverage is also available. However, this will be contingent on utilizing the simplified activation process introduced in December 2025, which requires a single technician visit for Open Fiber FTTH installation. This streamlined approach is key to the change.
Essentially, regardless of whether the connection is through FiberCop or Open Fiber, TIM will prioritize FTTH technology for new activations starting February 22, 2026. This represents a move towards maximizing the availability of the fastest connection speeds for its customers.
Alternative Technologies Remain Available
If a customer lacks FTTH coverage from either FiberCop or Open Fiber (with the single-technician installation process), TIM will then offer alternative options. These include Open Fiber FTTH in White Areas utilizing the traditional, two-technician installation process, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) 5G (both indoor and outdoor), FWA 4G (indoor and outdoor), and finally, Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) technology. The availability of these options will depend on the specific location.
At TIM retail locations, if FTTH via either FiberCop or Open Fiber (with the simplified installation) isn’t available, sales representatives may allow customers to choose between Open Fiber FTTH in White Areas (with the two-technician installation), FWA 5G, FWA 4G, and FTTC, based on what is available.
TIM WiFi GO Remains an Exception
These new prioritization rules will not apply to TIM’s WiFi GO offering, launched in October 2025. This service allows customers activating FTTH to add a standalone 5G Indoor FWA data line, enabling the activation of an additional FWA connection even when FTTH is already in place.
End of an Era for ADSL
As previously reported, TIM’s Premium Base plan will no longer be available with ADSL technology starting February 22, 2026, remaining available only with FTTC or FTTH up to 2.5 Gbps. Given that Premium Base was the last TIM plan allowing new customers to activate ADSL, this effectively means TIM will no longer sell ADSL connections for new activations after that date, focusing solely on FTTC, FWA, and FTTH technologies.
Implications for Italy’s Broadband Landscape
This shift in prioritization comes as Italy navigates a complex landscape of telecommunications infrastructure development. In October 2025, Italy was reportedly in a standoff with KKR over a telecom network, with a focus on a potential FiberCop-Open Fiber tie-up, though KKR resisted the merger, according to Reuters. Reuters reported that the transaction was intended to help TIM enhance its assets.
TIM, FiberCop, and Open Fiber signed a commercial agreement in 2022 to reuse network infrastructure in “white areas” – regions where infrastructure development was publicly funded. TIM stated that this agreement aims to speed up coverage with Very High Capacity Networks (VHCNs) across the country.
The changes announced by TIM are expected to accelerate the rollout of fiber optic connections across Italy, offering faster and more reliable internet access to a wider range of customers. The company’s commitment to prioritizing FTTH, coupled with the simplified installation process for Open Fiber, suggests a concerted effort to modernize its network and meet the growing demand for high-speed broadband.
Looking ahead, TIM will continue to monitor network performance and customer demand to refine its technology prioritization strategy. The next key date to watch is February 22, 2026, when the new rules officially accept effect and the company ceases offering new ADSL connections. Customers interested in upgrading their internet service are encouraged to contact TIM directly to discuss available options and coverage in their area.
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