It was published in Official Gazette the decree that gives the green light to the so-called Internet bonus, that is the voucher of up to 500 euros for families to buy a fast connection and connected IT devices. Then comes the Family Voucher Plan: 204 million euros have been allocated for the bonus for ultra-broadband and IT equipment. The incentive has been under consideration for some time and is part of those measures implemented to ensure, especially in times of distance learning and smart working, that all citizens can comfortably access the network.
Who is eligible to receive the bonus
Each bonus can have a maximum of one value of 500 euros, to be used in the form of a discount on the purchase price of the connection service and the device (such as a PC or tablet). It can be requested by the family unit with an Isee of less than 20 thousand euros and only for the activation of an ultra-broadband connection subscription with a download speed of at least 30 megabits per second. It will therefore be necessary to prove that you do not already have a connection that exceeds that speed. As mentioned, the discount will be applied directly by the service provider (telephone operators only) on the price of the subscription activation: this must have a duration of at least one year.
How the Internet Bonus works
According to the decree, in order to be entitled to the discount, the applicant must choose the best connection available in his area. You will also have to sign up for a package that includes a connectivity service ranging from the activation cost to the supply of modem and computer device (PC or tablet). Upon purchase, to receive the discount, it will be necessary to present a self-certification confirming the income condition and a copy of the identity document: these will then be sent to port Infratel (checked by the Ministry of Economic Development) together with the delivery report signed by the customer. At this point the operators will be entitled to receive the refund.
The criticisms of the measure
The potential beneficiaries are around 2.2 million families. These will be able to request the bonus until 1 October 2021. However, the funds will hardly be enough for everyone: the chronological order criterion will therefore be used, ie the discount will be granted to the first who request it. L’Aires, the Italian Association of Specialized Appliances Retailers, meanwhile criticizes the exclusivity granted to telephone operators. “If a good day starts in the morning we are very worried about how the resources of the Recovery Fund will be spent. The risk is to drug the country’s economy and penalize healthy sectors. Incentives and bonuses must never have distorting effects on competition and in this case it will happen in a very heavy way for the electronics sector“commented Davide Rossi, Aires general manager.
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