Interview to Francesco De Natale, Director of CNIT, ahead of the Telecommunications of the Future by 5GItaly, conference organized by CNIT, which will be held on April 9 in Rome.

‘Without telecommunications, the world as we know it could not exist. You wouldn’t be able to take a plane or a train, industry would be paralyzed, and there would be no localization or GPS navigation.’

The paradox of Telecommunications? Nobody can see the networks. They are transparent and invisible to users. But, without them, none of the services we take for granted would exist. Without 5G, there would be no Netflix, no Zoom, no trains or GPS, no Google Maps or online dating. No Amazon, no industrial automation, no smart working. And above all, no generative AI.

The latest trends in the telecom market, the development of Verticals, and the future of the industry thanks to emerging technologies such as 6G. The growing role of satellite communications, telecommunications as an essential foundation for any digital innovation and service development. The fundamental role of research and STEM disciplines for prosperity and digital and energy transformation in Italy, the expansion of ultrabroadband and standalone 5G. The fight against the digital divide and the obstacles slowing down the adoption of ultrabroadband. These are just some of the topics at the heart of Telecommunications of the Future by 5GItaly, the conference promoted by CNIT, which will be held on April 9 in Rome. We discussed these issues with CNIT Director Francesco De Natale.

Key4biz. This year’s edition is built around two key themes: Solutions for Telecommunications and Telecommunications as a Solution. How can these two pillars be implemented in the current Italian telecommunications sector?

Francesco De Natale. The core theme, which serves as the common thread of this year’s event, is Telecommunications. The priority for industry is that suppliers and service providers deliver the necessary solutions to enable the digital transformation process. The challenge is not a lack of technical solutions—they exist—but rather the ability to bring them to market. On the other hand, we need to rediscover the role of telecommunications as a driver of innovation.

Key4biz. What is the telecommunications paradox?

Francesco De Natale. Without telecommunications, the world as we know it could not exist. You wouldn’t be able to take a plane or a train, industry would be paralyzed, and there would be no localization or GPS navigation. Without networks, there would be no Netflix, no YouTube—nothing at all. The reality is that networks are invisible; people only see the service. But if we were to shut down the networks, everything would disappear.

Key4biz. Are telecommunications a cross-sector enabler?

Francesco De Natale. Yes, telecommunications enable a vast range of services and processes, many of which would be impossible—particularly without 5G.

Key4biz. What are the main vertical markets for 5G, and which are the most promising for the near future?

Francesco De Natale. 5G is, potentially, applicable to all Vertical markets globally. There is no sector that cannot benefit from it. The biggest innovation of 5G is the shift from networks designed to connect people to networks designed to connect objects and, more broadly, anything. We are talking about a network of systems. This opens up countless applications. Take, for instance, healthcare, a pressing issue today. 5G networks could enable remote patient care and monitoring, extending independent living and reducing hospitalizations. There are also remote rehabilitation systems and home automation support solutions.

Key4biz. What about industrial applications?

Francesco De Natale. Logistics is a prime example. As a country, we are still somewhat behind in using 5G for logistics compared to the European average. However, in the context of ports and cargo management, 5G could be a crucial vertical to focus on.

There are many other applications for 5G, particularly in transportation.

Key4biz. Mission-critical applications require standalone 5G, an area where Italy is lagging.

Francesco De Natale. Yes, and this reflects a short-sighted approach. There’s a failure to recognize that while initial investments are needed, the long-term return could be significant. Falling behind in this area will only hurt us.

Key4biz. This year, there’s a lot of talk about “Satcom” and satellite communication technologies. But isn’t this a long-established technology?

Francesco De Natale. Italy has a long-standing research tradition in satellite communications. Our universities and research centers are at the forefront of the sector. However, attention has mainly focused on satellites for environmental monitoring – the remote sensing or geolocation satellites – or on high-orbit telecommunications satellites with significant latency, primarily used for broadcast applications or as a backbone to reach areas where terrestrial networks are impractical. Satellite connectivity is also an excellent backup solution during major disasters, where terrestrial networks are often compromised.

Key4biz. What has changed with Starlink?

Francesco De Natale. Musk’s innovation was to massively deploy an existing technology – low-orbit satellites with much lower latency – offering broad coverage, high bandwidth, and even direct-to-cell functionality. Musk moved quickly, securing a competitive advantage that Italy and Europe must now catch up on. Such a critical infrastructure, especially in terms of security, is an area where we cannot afford to lag behind. That said, I don’t believe satellite networks like Starlink will replace terrestrial networks. Instead, they will complement them while we wait for a European alternative.

Key4biz. What is the role of research and STEM disciplines in developing new telecom technologies?

Francesco De Natale. Research plays a central role. Sitting between industry on one side and vertical markets on the other, we – the CNIT, the research community, all those working in this field and all those that will participate in our event to create knowledge and support the telecom sector’s growth.

Key4biz. Given Italy’s shortage of STEM specialists, how can we attract young people to these fields?

Francesco De Natale. STEM subjects are crucial in this process. When we talk about STEM, we’re not just talking about telecommunications but also many other disciplines that are increasingly converging. This has been true for years, but cross-disciplinary skills are now more essential than ever.

Key4biz. Can you give an example?

Francesco De Natale. Artificial intelligence is a perfect example. Media have primarily focused on generative AI (GenAI), or Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT. That’s what has captured public attention. But, perhaps less obvious yet just as important, is the fact that AI now permeates all innovation.

In telecommunications, AI is widely used at all levels, from the physical layer to applications. Optimizing systems and making them smarter and more adaptive is a given. The same applies to ambient intelligence. 5G enables distributed intelligence across processes and services through the IoT paradigm, effectively merging networks with sensor technology. These are complex and demanding professional competences, and we must work to make them more appealing to attract young people to the appropriate university programs.

Key4biz. How can we encourage young people to pursue these studies?

Francesco De Natale. In the RESTART program, we have initiatives to introduce high school students to this world and to emphasize that without telecommunications the modern world would be unrecognizable. Everything young people use daily – social networks, music, streaming – is enabled by telecom and IT. Better salaries would also help retain our talent in Italy. But it’s worth noting that 100% of STEM graduates find qualified jobs.

Key4biz. On April 9, CNIT will present the results of the PNRR PE-RESTART program. What is its goal?

Francesco De Natale. RESTART has hired 300 young researchers. On April 8, we’ll hold a session on future tech trends and launch a virtual job fair to create a link between them and companies. RESTART is not just a project; it’s a comprehensive program and is among the 14 PNRR Extended Research Partnerships, established at the beginning of the Plan. The PNRR funding phase will end in early 2026, but this will mark the beginning of a new phase with new goals, projects, and funding sources. RESTART includes scientific and technological research, interdisciplinary research, application projects in different sectors, grand challenges and transversal actions. The aim is to work from basic research to the highest levels of application, involving all relevant stakeholders.