The Italian government has given the go-ahead for an internet link to connect all the countrys public administration centres. It is estimated that about 15,000 offices will be involved at both the local level and overseas. The system will provide uniform standards of connectability and security and will increase efficiency and saving throughout the public administration.

The minister for innovation and technology, Lucio Stanca, estimates that it will decrease administrative running costs by 35 per cent and that the saving in time on public administration will be 30 per cent. Within the next few months about 500 overseas offices, in embassies, cultural institutes and foreign trade organizations, in 120 countries, will be connected to the system.