Italy has a competitive telecom market with several major carriers and MVNOs to choose from. Selecting the best mobile network in Italy can be confusing given the many options. This article overviews all Italian mobile providers, provides tips to choose the right one, compares top carriers, where to buy SIMs, whether eSIM is offered, and answers questions. Find out which carrier is best in Italy this year.

iTALY Mobile Operators

1. List of Mobile Operators in Italy

Italy has four major mobile network operators and dozens of MVNOs running on their networks. The main Italy mobile operators are:

1.1. Main Mobile Operators in Italy

  • TIM – Telecom Italia is the largest Italy mobile provider and mobile network operator in Italy with over 30 million mobile subscribers. It has the best nationwide 4G/LTE coverage.
TIM LOGO
  • Vodafone – The second largest Italy mobile operator with around 29 million users. Vodafone has excellent 4G speeds and coverage.
vodafone italy logo
  • WINDTRE – Formed by the merger of Wind and 3 Italia, WINDTRE has about 25 million mobile customers. It offers competitive rates and bundles.
windtre logo
  • iliad – A relative newcomer, iliad launched in Italy in 2018 but has quickly grown to over 8 million subscribers. It is known for inexpensive deals.
Iliad logo
  • Fastweb – 5th mobile network operator in Italy since July 2019. Reliable nationwide 4G coverage. Slightly cheaper than TIM/Vodafone. Good choice if you need both mobile and home internet.
fastweb logo

1.2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Italy

In addition to the main Italy mobile providers, there are numerous Italy MVNOs that operate using the infrastructure of the big 4 Italy mobile operators. Some popular MVNO options include:

  • PosteMobile – Uses the WINDTRE network. Affordable basic deals.
  • CoopVoce – Operates on the TIM network. Good value bundles.
  • Rabona Mobile – Low-cost plans using the Vodafone network.
  • Digi Mobil – Data-centric plans with 5G access via Vodafone’s infrastructure.
  • ho. Mobile – Vodafone-based network with cheap international calling.
  • NTmobile – Vodafone powered. Features monthly rollover data.
  • Spusu – Offers generous data packages on the WINDTRE network.

2. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operator in Italy

With so many Italy mobile carriers to pick from, here are some tips on choosing the right one for your needs:

  • Coverage – Check network coverage maps to make sure the carrier has 4G/5G where you stay, work, and travel.
  • Lag – choose a carrier associated with low speed of download and upload to reduce lag.
  • What do you pay for – calculate the monthly number of expected minutes, SMS, and Internet traffic and compare it to an appropriate plan.
  • Extras – Comparisons Extras like hotspots, global roaming, and international calls provided.
  • Price – Cover the balance of features but at affordable monthly prices.

Prepaid is flexible if you stay short-term but the contracts give advantages. Ask friends and family, read reviews online, get informed about operators.
In this connection, think of the most crucial one – broadband network, speed, rates, data caps, roaming and so forth which will help you find the best Italy mobile operators. However, some aspects can get overlooked when purchasing a SIM/eSIM.

3. Best Mobile Operators in Italy – Detailed Comparison

The top Italy mobile carriers each have their pros and cons. Following the Opensignal report in November 2023 about Italian mobile operators, here is an in-depth look at how the major operators compare to help you select the best one for your needs.

Operator Coverage Speed Price 5G Coverage
TIM Wide coverage across Italy Fast speeds, wins 5G download award Mid-range prices Good 5G coverage, wins 5G awards
Vodafone Very wide coverage, best across regions Fastest overall speeds, wins most awards Mid-range to expensive Extensive 5G nationwide
WindTre Wide national coverage Mid-range speeds Affordable prices Joint winner of 5G coverage award
Iliad Excellent availability nationwide Mid-range speeds Low-cost plans Expanding 5G nationally
Fastweb Wide coverage in major cities Mid-range speeds Competitive prices Joint winner of 5G coverage award

Overall: TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre have the widest coverage nationwide while Vodafone has the fastest speeds, winning multiple awards. Prices vary from affordable (Iliad) to mid-range to expensive (Vodafone). For 5G, TIM leads in speeds while Fastweb and WindTre have good initial 5G coverage according to the report.

4. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Italy Mobile Operators?

There are a few options to purchase a SIM card when signing up for mobile service in Italy:

  • Operator stores – The main Italy mobile carriers (TIM, Vodafone, WINDTRE, iliad) all have retail locations in most cities where you can buy SIM cards or eSIM activation.
  • Supermarkets – Local grocery store chains like Coop, Auchan, and Esselunga often sell prepaid SIMs from major providers.
  • Tobacconists – Many corner tobacco shops, newsagents, and kiosks offer SIM cards for the top operators.
  • Online – Carriers like Iliad and some MVNOs sell SIMs directly via their website for delivery or eSIM activation.
  • Phone shops – Independent phone retailers will resell SIMs from various network providers.
  • Airports – After arriving in Italy, you can find stores/kiosks from Italy mobile operators at most major airports.

When purchasing in person, you’ll need to show your passport for verification. Having an Italian tax code helps residents sign contracts. Ordering online requires uploading ID photos/documents in most cases.

Vodafone store at Rome Airport
Vodafone store at Rome Airport (FCO)

You can also the best places to buy SIM cards from individual mobile operators. Check out:

5. Do Mobile Operators in Italy Offer eSIM?

In addition to standard physical SIM cards, several Italy mobile operators now support eSIM functionality as well:

  • TIM – Launched eSIM in 2021. Only available for Italian currently.
  • Vodafone – Offers eSIM on both prepaid and monthly contract plans. Not supported for tourists.
  • WINDTRE – Has eSIM but is only offered in Windtre stores. 
  • iliad – Provides eSIM when ordering online or in stores. Need Italian Fiscal Code.
  • Fastweb Mobile – Allows eSIM activation on both iOS and Android devices, for Italian only.

So if you have an eSIM-compatible phone like an iPhone XS or newer, you can sign up digitally with several Italy eSIM providers. This makes it easy to connect on arrival.

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6. FAQs about Italy mobile operators

Which mobile network is best in Italy?

Iliad generally has the most extensive nationwide mobile network coverage across Italy, particularly in rural locations. Vodafone and WINDTRE are a close second for reach and both carriers offer broad 4G/5G access.

Is mobile internet fast in Italy?

Yes, Italy’s top operators offer mobile download speeds competitive with other European nations. On 4G networks expect average speeds of 35-55 Mbps while 5G can exceed 300 Mbps in optimal conditions.

Can I use my Italian SIM abroad?

The major Italian operators include EU roaming allowing the use of your mobile plan within Europe. Vodafone has the most generous roaming extending to 120+ countries globally. Some MVNOs limit roaming so check plan details.

Is it easy to buy an Italian SIM card as a tourist?

Retailers across Italy sell SIM cards almost everywhere. Bring your passport when purchasing, then find the carrier with a plan matching your travel needs.

What’s the best Italy operator for data usage?

Heavy data users should look at Fastweb Mobile or iliad which offer 50GB+ data plans from around €8/month. TIM and Vodafone have pricier but virtually unlimited 5G data plans. WINDTRE caps data more but provides rollover.

Does 5G work in Italy?

Yes, 5G rolling out since 2019 but focused on major cities first like Rome, Milan, and Naples. Coverage expanding but still limited outside big urban areas. Requires compatible phone/plan.

7. Conclusion

Choosing the best Italy mobile operator requires research weighing coverage, speeds, pricing, and features. TIM offers wide coverage including rural areas. Vodafone is good for travel beyond Italy and fast speeds. WINDTRE and Iliad offer cheaper rates with good value – compare their coverage. MVNOs like Fastweb and ho. Mobile also has discounted pricing. Consider store locations, device compatibility, cost, and usage. Research will help you find the ideal Italian operator for your needs while roaming across Italy.