Telecommunications operators who help to roll out an ultra-broadband network throughout Italy could qualify for significant tax breaks under the government’s ‘Industry 4.0’ plan to boost innovative business investment, according to economic development minister Carlo Calenda. In an interview with business daily Il Sole 24 Ore, the minister revealed that the government is considering the possibility of adding a 250 percent “super depreciation” tax shield on capital goods related to digitalisation to the budget on ultra-broadband investment. The announcement comes after Calenda unveiled the EUR 13 billion ‘Industry 4.0’ public spending plan last month. It includes a mix of tax breaks and other incentives as well as measures to make sure all startups and businesses have access to the internet.
The minister has now suggested the tax breaks could be extended to telecom providers investing in the country's high-speed broadband plan, but the government will have to clearly define the scope of the incentives to ensure they remain in line with EU state aid rules, said the report.
