Does Italy have 5G in 2025? 

Yes — Italy has 5G. All four major mobile operators (TIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad) run 5G networks in Italian cities and many rural areas. Each operator packages 5G access differently (some advertise “5G Ultra” or city-level 5G), and prices depend on whether you choose prepaid, postpaid, long-term contracts or tourist/eSIM bundles. Below you’ll find a clear breakdown of who offers 5G in Italy, typical price ranges in 2025, practical buying tips, and a quick FAQ aimed at helping readers and travelers choose the right plan.

Who provides 5G in Italy?

The main nationwide 5G providers in Italy are:

• TIM (Telecom Italia) — long-established incumbent with broad coverage and both consumer and business 5G packages.

• Vodafone Italia — a major 5G operator (recent corporate changes mean Vodafone Italia’s ownership has been in the news but the brand and services remain active). Vodafone markets a variety of 5G plans including unlimited data tiers.

• WINDTRE — formed by the merger of Wind and Tre; they promote tourist and residential 5G packages and competitive prepaid bundles.

• iliad Italy — newer challenger with aggressive low-cost plans and growing 5G coverage in major cities.

These operators also power many third-party MVNOs and eSIM vendors, so if you buy a prepaid eSIM from a global brand it will often ride one of these networks.

Typical 5G plan types and who they suit

• Prepaid (best for tourists and short stays) — pay-as-you-go or monthly prepaid packs that include a block of 5G data. Tourist-specific bundles often bundle voice minutes + 5G data for 30 days. WINDTRE and TIM both advertise tourist packs that include 5G data.

• Postpaid / Monthly (best for residents) — recurring plans with larger data caps or unlimited data; often include EU roaming and other perks. Vodafone, TIM and iliad have postpaid offers that explicitly mention 5G access.

• eSIM & international data packs (best for digital nomads) — instant activation eSIMs that connect to Italian 5G in major cities for short-term data-only use. Many eSIM providers resell access to the major Italian networks.

Examples of real-world prices (ranges and what to expect)

Prices change frequently and operators run promotions, but the following are representative 2025 price ranges and examples to give readers a practical baseline.

• Low-cost monthly / basic plans:

  • Iliad and other budget brands — you can find entry-level monthly plans in the single-digit to low-teens euro range (≈€6–€15/month) with modest data bundles or limited 5G data allowance. These are good if you mostly use Wi-Fi and occasionally need cellular 5G.

• Mid-tier monthly plans (good balance of price and data):

  • Typical range: €15–€30/month. These often include tens of GB with 5G access and EU roaming. Vodafone has been reported to push competitive mid-tier offers with sizable 5G allowances starting from about €15/month in recent offers.

• Unlimited / heavy-use plans:

  • Typical range: €20–€40+/month depending on “truly unlimited” or fair-use caps at high speed before throttling. Some premium unlimited plans advertise high-speed 5G buckets (for example 50 GB at full 5G speed then throttled service, or higher tiers with fewer limits). Vodafone and other operators have marketed unlimited or near-unlimited plans in this bracket.

• Tourist packs / 30-day bundles:

  • Typical single-use tourist packs vary widely: some tourist bundles start at roughly €5–€10 for small data allowances, while richer tourist packs with dozens of GB or “200 GIGA in 5G” can be €20–€40 for 30 days (WINDTRE and TIM list tourist offerings with 5G data). These are convenient for short visits with predictable costs.

Note: exact prices, promotional discounts, or corporate ownership changes may shift available tariffs quickly. Always check the operator site or an authorized reseller before paying.

Coverage & speed — what to expect in the real world

• Major cities and transport corridors: Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Bologna, Venice and other large urban areas generally have robust 5G availability and the fastest real-world speeds. Operators continue to expand capacity and advertise “5G Ultra” in high-traffic areas.

• Smaller towns & rural areas: 5G rollout is ongoing; many rural zones still rely on 4G or mixed 4G/5G coverage. If you travel off the beaten track, expect variable speeds and occasionally fall back to 4G. Coverage maps on operator websites and third-party speed/coverage tests are useful pre-trip checks.

Buying tips — get 5G at the best value

1. Decide how long you’ll stay — tourists often save by buying a 30-day prepaid tourist pack; residents benefit from monthly postpaid plans.

2. Consider eSIM for instant activation — if your phone supports eSIM, buying an Italy eSIM can be faster than finding a physical shop; many eSIMs offer access to the national 5G networks.

3. Compare data speed vs price — cheaper plans may include 5G access but limit high-speed data before throttling. If you stream or work in the cloud, favor higher-tier plans or explicit high-speed GB allocations.

4. Look for tourist bundles if visiting — operators like TIM and WINDTRE list tourist-specific bundles that combine minutes, texts and 5G data for a single fee. These eliminate surprises at checkout.

5. Check roaming — many postpaid plans include EU roaming but differ on worldwide roaming. If you plan to travel beyond Italy, confirm roaming terms.

Comparison

• TIM — strong national footprint, consumer & business offers, tourist packages available. Good for broad coverage.

• Vodafone Italy — competitive speeds and unlimited-style products in recent catalogs; familiar brand with premium offerings. (Corporate ownership shifts reported but services continue.)

• WINDTRE — competitive prepaid and tourist packs with explicit 5G data offerings; often priced for value-conscious buyers.

• iliad — budget-focused plans, aggressive pricing for residents, expanding 5G coverage in cities.

Tips 

Italy’s 5G is mature in urban centers and steadily expanding. Choose TIM, Vodafone, WINDTRE or iliad depending on whether you value coverage, speed, price or simplicity. If you’re visiting briefly, a tourist pack or eSIM is usually the most convenient; if you stay longer, compare postpaid plans for a better monthly cost per GB. Always verify the latest prices and promotional details on the operator’s official pages or from reputable eSIM resellers before purchase — mobile tariffs change frequently and operators run seasonal promotions.

FAQ —  People look for

Q: Do I need a special SIM for 5G in Italy?
A: No, a modern 4G/5G-capable SIM or eSIM from the major operators is typically sufficient; make sure your handset supports the 5G bands used in Europe and is unlocked.

Q: Will my phone automatically use 5G?
A: If your phone supports the 5G bands, the operator’s SIM/eSIM is active, and you’re in a 5G-enabled area, the device should connect to 5G automatically (subject to device settings).

Q: Are there cheaper MVNOs with 5G?
A: Yes — several MVNOs resell access to the major networks and can be cheaper. However, MVNO coverage and priority on the network may differ from the operator’s own customers.

Q: Should I buy from a shop or online?
A: For tourists, in-person activation in airports or city shops is common; eSIMs and online activations are faster for tech-savvy travelers who already have compatible phones.