— By Christian Cinetto, Head of Communication and Content
11 June: in Rome we discussed the future of INTERNET(and NAMEX’s role)
Namex grows in traffic peaks, in the number of consortium members and affiliates, but also in face-to-face events. On 11 June we returned to the Gazometro, in Rome, for the Namex Annual Meeting, the appointment that since 2004 has brought together the interconnection community. We reached 700 participants from over 270 companies and recorded more than 250 one-to-one meetings.
The chosen title “Sesto Potere, Internet for Better or for Worse?” draws inspiration from film titles that identified in the press first and then TV the new powers that shaped society. For some time now, but more than ever today, it’s the Internet’s moment. No longer just infrastructure, the Internet has become an autonomous power, intersecting all others.
For some time now, but more than ever today, it’s the Internet’s moment. No longer just infrastructure, the Internet has become an autonomous power, intersecting all others.
A power that, as Stefano Quintarelli illustrated, now navigates the complexities of digital geopolitics, from technological sovereignty to global platforms and emerging international fault lines.
The panel on submarine cables, featuring Enrico Maria Bagnasco (Sparkle), Antonio Deruda, Renato Brunetti (Unitirreno) and Patrick Christian (Telegeography), explored multiple issues: from financial investment to Italy’s role in the Mediterranean, to real and perceived vulnerabilities. Disrupting a cable in certain regions can have the impact of an act of war. We need a shift in perspective: these are not just technological assets, they are strategic assets.
We proposed a panel dedicated to space, the next frontier of the Internet and for some, their company’s next bet. Moderated by Emilio Cozzi, with Paolo Nespoli, Tommaso Ghidini (ESA) and Luca Rossettini (D-Orbit), we discovered that controlling low orbit isn’t just fascinating: it’s essential. We’re gaining new awareness: we can’t depend on non-European satellite systems for critical connectivity, especially for defence. The good news is that our companies can (and must) have their say in space too. Interplanetary cloud included.
We can’t deny this is AI’s year, especially LLMs available to everyone. Stefano Epifani challenged us with a provocation: has the Internet really improved society? And is AI making things better, or worse? For those who work and invest in network infrastructure, ethical choices often translate into industrial decisions.
About 10% of Italian Internet traffic passes through Namex daily, making us a privileged observation point. The work that Flavio Luciani is carrying forward with Namex Observatory has shown, beyond football peaks, also the white smoke from the Conclave. Internet traffic data is becoming an increasingly accurate mirror of societal behaviours and transformations.
In the coming months we’ll meet again to discuss, in smaller but open forums.. The future of the European network will be played out on several fronts: digital sovereignty, regulations, submarine and space infrastructure and the economic sustainability of the sector.
As a consortium we’ll continue promoting spaces for open and pluralistic dialogue and exchange.
