ISDN Activities in Italy

Digitalization of the Italian telecommunications network is underway, as in many other countries, and a significant diffusion of digital transmission has already been achieved. Digital switching has already been introduced at both transit and local levels, with some 450 exchanges presently in operation. Both packet- and circuit-switched data networks are in operation. CCITT No. 7 is presently being introduced. In this network scenario, the already planned Italian developments towards the ISDN will include the provision in 1986 of 64 kbit/s digital connectivity and, two years later, the activation of a pilot ISDN service, whose main characteristics are described in the paper. An overview on further developments in ISDN research areas is also given.