What impact do you expect on your business from the new calls for 5G, black and gray areas announced by the government ?
In general, we expect significant revenue growth this year, around 10%, compared to last year. In 2020, the increase in turnover was 7.4 per cent (+ 4% in the telco-network tlc sector, + 24% for digital solutions). The current development is the result of growth in many sectors; the digital solutions department, which works in the world of digitalization of companies, the cloud, data centers and cybersecurity, is growing significantly and will continue to strengthen this year as well, as evidence that we are an actor in the digital transformation of our country . In the telecommunications networks sector, growth is strengthening with the development of 5G and optical fiber. The third business unit, Sirti Energia, which represents 10% of the approximately 700 million turnover, is also growing in relation to the energy transition process currently underway. Indeed, it is necessary to make electricity grids smart to achieve a green and sustainable energy consumption paradigm. In 2021 and in the following years, also through the projects and investments led by the NRP, we will be able to seize further opportunities. In particular, as regards the Pnrr, the most relevant for Sirti are those related to the 1 Giga Italia Plan, the 5G Italia Plan (including fiber backhauling for 5G networks) and the national cloud projects and the digitalization of the Public Administration , including aspects of cyber security. The focus must immediately be placed on execution, preparing all the necessary measures to ensure the concrete implementation of the projects within the timescales indicated by the PNRR itself (i.e. by 2026).
In view of the growth and development linked to the NRP, there are those who say that a larger sample in the sector would be needed; PSC in particular stated that it is looking with interest at a consolidation with Sirti. What is your position?
It is always nice to know that there are groups, both Italian and international, who look to Sirti with interest. It is further testimony, in addition to the one we receive from customers and employees, of the very positive results we have been able to achieve in the transformation of the group over the years. We have achieved a solid financial and equity position and an excellent market positioning. Sirti has a strategic plan up to 2024 in which we are committed to creating further value and I can confirm that 2021 is progressing positively, ahead of the plan, thanks to projects on ultra-broadband, 5G and the growing ICT sector of our Digital Solutions business unit. Our shareholder Pillarstone is an investment fund and there is likely to be a process of consolidation in the medium term. In any case, since Sirti is the leader in the Italian market, any truly strategic consolidation cannot be separated from Sirti itself.
G Looking at the implementation of the NRP plans, how do the simplifications in the process of creating the networks proceed? Was the Simplification Decree effective?