Is my copper phone line being switched off in Italy, and what happens to my contract?
Italy is switching off the copper network exchange by exchange under plans approved by AGCOM. An exchange can be announced for switch-off only when ultra-fast access, including fixed wireless, covers all its lines and at least 60% already use it.
Many countries are replacing old copper phone lines with fibre. Where an official plan exists, it sets how much warning you get and what happens to your contract; the plan for Italy is below.
📜 The rules in Italy
The switch-off plan
Customers connected to a closing exchange keep their fixed access but are migrated, mostly to fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) and in marginal cases to fixed wireless access (FWA).
The details
- The technical switch-off cannot start until 6 or 12 months after AGCOM publishes its approval, depending on the services sold at that exchange; the migration then lasts 12 months. (agcom.it)
- In May 2025 AGCOM published a list of 2,055 local exchanges approved for decommissioning (delibera 123/25/CONS); each one has its own timetable in the annex. (agcom.it)
Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni (AGCOM)
Telecom regulator. Its contact center answers questions and takes reports: 800.185060 from a landline, 081.750750 from a mobile or abroad, Monday to Friday 10:00-14:00.
🪜 Step by step
- Find out what your line isYour contract or provider can tell you whether you are on copper, cable or fibre.
- Watch for a letterCustomers on lines that will be switched off are normally told in advance. Keep the letter.
- Compare your optionsYou may be offered fibre or another connection. Compare price, term and speed before you accept.
- Check special equipmentAlarm systems, emergency call devices and old phones may need to be adapted. Ask before the switch.
📇 Who to contact
Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.
❓ Questions
Do I have to move to fibre?
When the copper line is switched off, you need another connection to keep your service. Which options you have depends on your address.
Does the switch cost me anything?
That depends on the plan and on the offers you get. Ask for any offer in writing.
Will my landline number still work?
Usually yes: you can normally keep your number on the new connection. Ask your provider.
📎 Sources
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