The tower on Via Fabrizio da Montebello, opposite the Gualdicciolo paper mill (Cartiera di Gualdicciolo), will be completed to improve mobile network coverage in the residential and industrial area. The system is expected to go live in spring 2027, once the remaining administrative approvals have been obtained.
The project was presented at a public meeting on Friday, 23 October, in the multipurpose hall of the Centro Gualdo. The event was organized by Captain of the Castello Enzo Semprini and the Giunta di Castello of Acquaviva, in collaboration with the Secretariats of State for Industry and for Territory, with the participation of TIM technicians.
The project concerns an infrastructure that was begun nearly ten years ago and left unfinished. According to the two Secretariats, the upgrade will help reduce coverage gaps that have been affecting both household connectivity and business operations.
“The work will be completed using materials already stored in the warehouses of the State’s Autonomous Public Works Company (Azienda Autonoma di Stato per i Lavori Pubblici), eliminating waste and cutting construction times”, the statement reads. “The operational plan calls for obtaining the outstanding administrative approvals in the coming months, with the system expected to be switched on in spring 2027.”
Part of the discussion focused on electromagnetic emissions and oversight of the installation. The Secretariats noted that San Marino’s regulatory attention threshold is significantly lower than Italy’s. Inspections will be carried out by the Office for Environmental Prevention and Oversight (Ufficio Prevenzione Ambiente e Vigilanza), led by engineer Omar Raimondi, covering the design, testing, and subsequent operation of the base station.
“Providing answers to the businesses and families of Gualdicciolo means equipping the country with resilient digital infrastructure capable of supporting economic competitiveness and everyday services,” said Secretary of State for Industry Rossano Fabbri.
“Taking up an unfinished project and turning it into an asset for the area reflects a choice of administrative continuity that avoids wasting resources and looks ahead to the technological challenges of coming years. On one hand, there is an undeniable infrastructural need; on the other, we do not want to shy away from engaging with the public. That is precisely what this public meeting was for.”
Secretary of State for Territory Matteo Ciacci focused on the environmental safeguards: “Protecting public health and the quality of life in the Castello remains the absolute priority of this project. Choosing a location in a production area on the edge of the urban fabric, combined with strict controls entrusted to our public bodies, gives citizens confidence in controlled and safe technological development.”
During the meeting, Fabrizio Bonini of TIM and engineer Andrea Silvagni, from the Secretariat of State for Territory, outlined the characteristics of the tower and the upgrades to materials and equipment in line with current energy efficiency and safety standards.
“Preliminary measurements indicate that actual electromagnetic field levels in areas accessible to the public will remain well below the legal thresholds,” the statement notes.
Residents put questions to government representatives and technicians. The Executive has committed to continuing the dialogue in the coming months, throughout the process leading to the completion and activation of the installation.
