UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15D-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2003
TELECOM ITALIA S.p.A.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
CORSO D'ITALIA 41
ROME, ITALY 00198
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files
or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
FORM 20-F [X] FORM 40-F [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant
is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant
is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information
contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing
the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
YES [ ] NO [X]
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned
to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _______
[TELECOM ITALIA LOGO]
PRESS RELEASE
TELECOM ITALIA: GREEN LIGHT FOR NEXT GENERATION BROADBAND NETWORK PROJECT
New network infrastructure to allow Telecom Italia to develop new services.
Marconi wins contract to supply connection systems.
Rome, 4 February 2003 - Telecom Italia has announced the start of work on a
major project to build a new broadband network infrastructure for the provision
of advanced multimedia services. This move will update telephone exchanges to
the latest technologies by gradually replacing current connection systems with
new generation equipment.
Telecom Italia has awarded Marconi a two-year 80 million euro contract for the
work as part of its wide- ranging broadband development investment plan. Marconi
will build the new network infrastructure in collaboration with Italtel, which
is supplying proprietary switching technology and professional services.
Marconi's proprietary Access Hub technology will make it possible to supply a
full range of customer services, including xDSL, traditional telephony and ISDN,
and interface with both classic-style telephone exchanges and the latest
generation IP-protocol based systems.
Marconi equipment forms an integral part of the Access Hub multiservice access
platform already in use on the Telecom Italia network.
"This move," says Stefano Pileri, Telecom Italia Domestic Wireline Network
Manager, "shows how Telecom Italia is pursuing its world-class strategy for
technological innovation and high quality service by continuing its major
investment programme. Marconi confirms its role as a major Telecom Italia
partner, and further expands its role as a strategic supplier to our network."
Giorgio Bertolina, Executive Chairman of Marconi Communications S.p.A., made the
following statement: "Telecom Italia is making major investments in its access
and switching network to supply multimedia and IP services to its customers
above and beyond traditional voice services. This will now be possible through
our broadband access platform, in tandem with Italtel's core switching
technology. When completed, the new network will enable the telephone company to
embark upon a 'natural' migration of its customers to 'triple play' ADSL service
combining voice, data and video, while ensuring broadband Internet service too."
For more information:
Communication & Media Relations
Domestic Wireline Press Office: +39 06.3688.2023 or 2066
www.telecomitalia.it/press
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provision of the United
States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The Private Securities Litigation reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor"
for forward-looking statements. The Press Release included in this Form 6-K
contains certain forward looking statements and forecasts reflecting
management's current views with respect to certain future events. The ability
of the Telecom Italia Group to achieve its projected results is dependant on
many factors which are outside of management's control. Actual results may
differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking
statements. Such forward-looking information involves risks and uncertainties
that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key
assumptions.
The following important factors could cause the Telecom Italia Group's actual
results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-
looking statements:
- the continuing impact of increased competition in a liberalized market,
including competition from global and regional alliances formed by other
telecommunications operators in the core domestic fixed-line and wireless
markets of the Telecom Italia Group;
- the ability of the Telecom Italia Group to introduce new services to
stimulate increased usage of its fixed and wireless networks to offset declines
in its fixed-line business due to the continuing impact of regulatory required
price reductions, market share loss and pricing pressures generally;
- the ability of the Telecom Italia Group to achieve cost-reduction
targets in the time frame established or to continue the process of
rationalizing its non-core assets;
- the impact of regulatory decisions and changes in the regulatory
environment;
- the impact of the slowdown in Latin American economies and the slow
recovery of economies generally on the international business of the Telecom
Italia Group focused on Latin America and on its foreign investments and capital
expenditures;
- the continuing impact of rapid changes in technologies;
- the impact of political and economic developments in Italy and other
countries in which the Telecom Italia Group operates;
- the impact of fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates;
- Telecom Italia's ability to continue the implementation of its 2002-2004
Industrial Plan, including the rationalization of its corporate structure and
the disposition of Telecom Italia's interests in various companies;
- the ability of the Telecom Italia Group to successfully achieve its debt
reduction targets;
- Telecom Italia's ability to successfully roll out its UMTS networks and
services and to realize the benefits of its investment in UMTS licenses and
related capital expenditures;
- SEAT's ability to successfully implement its internet strategy;
- the ability of the Telecom Italia Group to achieve the expected return
on the significant investments and capital expenditures it has made in Latin
America and in Europe;
- the amount and timing of any future impairment charges for Telecom
Italia's licences, goodwill or other assets; and
- the impact of litigation or decreased mobile communications usage
arising from actual or perceived health risks or other problems relating to
mobile handsets or transmission masts.
The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Due to such
uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the group will achieve its projected
results.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 5, 2003
TELECOM ITALIA S.p.A.
BY: /s/ Carlo De Gennaro
---------------------------
Carlo De Gennaro
Company Manager