6

While filling out an address form, I came across the field "Utenza fissa". I checked dictionaries and online translators. The result was not very satisfying:

I found the following meanings for "Utenza fissa":

  • Fixed user
  • Fixed utility

and combinations of the words "fixed" and "utility" with other words, none of which made sense.
My personal guess would be "Username". What is the translation of "Utenza fissa"?

3
  • 4
    I think you might need to give a little more context. I suspect they are asking for a landline (fisso in Italian) phone number, but it could be many other things. What are the neighbouring fields?
    – Denis Nardin
    Nov 6, 2017 at 13:03
  • 1
    Name and Address(Country, City, Street, CAP) @DenisNardin
    – Penguin9
    Nov 6, 2017 at 13:09
  • 3
    I agree with @DenisNardin: it looks like an involved, bureaucratese way to say “(Landline) phone number”.
    – DaG
    Nov 6, 2017 at 13:12

2 Answers 2

10

It can depend on the context, but the term utenza fissa is often used to denote a landline telephone number, for example see here or here.

Utenza is a generic term that means an account with some utility provider. A priori it could refer to electricity, gas or many other things. What makes me think it is referring to the phone number is the term fissa. In Italian a telefono fisso (lit. fixed phone) is a landline phone as opposed to a mobile phone (which is after all the only kind of phone you can move around). While there are other kinds of unmovable utilities, the only one which has commonly both a fixed and a mobile version is the phone.

Note that the term utenza fissa in this sense is rather bureaucratic and would never be used in common conversation. Normally people would say numero fisso instead or even just un fisso (lit. a fixed one).

3

Utenza fissa almost always stands for 'landline telephone' opposed to 'utenza mobile' or 'cellulare' which is a mobile line. (I'm italian and I've always heard it in these terms).

For practical use, in Italy, if you see a number beginning with '0' is a landline, if it begins with '3' it's a mobile line.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.