There are four network providers operating in Italy: TIM Vodafone Wind 3 (Tre) In recent years MVNO's have started up competing with the network providers on their networks. The four biggest MVNOs 2014 by customer numbers CoopVoce, PosteMobile, FastWeb and Lycamobile are listed. 2G up to EDGE is on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G UMTS on 900 and 2100 MHz. LTE/4G is on 800, 1800 and 2600 Mhz, has started on all providers and is available to all prepaid costumers mainly in the cites, but not for their MVNOs. TIM followed by Vodafone has the best coverage at higher prices, while 3 and Wind are still patchy but giving better rates. To purchase a prepaid (= ricaricabile) SIM card a photo ID (e.g. a passport) is necessary in Italy. You can get them in the shops of the providers where they will be registered as well. Often (but not always) you are asked for a "codice fiscale" (fiscal code), a number which is required in Italy for many online purchases and identification. As a non-Italian you probably don't know yours, but even foreigners have one of this 16-digit code in Italy. It can be created easliy online: [How to create a codice fiscale]. Just fill in your name, birth date, sex and the italian name for your home country. Top-ups can be bought at many more places like tobacconists, supermarkets, newsagents or even bars and coffeeshops.
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