You normally pay up front for the gym or monthly by direct debit but this is like a HP agreement for which you need to sign a contract, etc. I didn't have the ID so they told me I could, as an exception, pay at regular intervals by bancomat. That reminds me, I still owe them 3 months. I haven't been since Feb 2009 though...

I have the mobile with Tre and they insisted so I finally got myself an ID card after 7 years here in Italy. I only did it as the mobile was a present for the OH. I felt violated.

Oh yes . they're more than happy with my credit card.

Don't get me started on Vodafone!!
the first idiot who registered me with Vodafone years ago forgot to specify my 'comune di nascita' as 'Regno Unito ..etc.' and now I always have problems with my codice fiscale.
So I can't use ricarica online or whatever but they have no hesitation in billing my credit card as and when.

And finally-the man at the comune smiled today!
My BC is now translated and in the hands (temporarily I hope) of the Italian officials.
In case this helps anyone else the scenario is as follows
I was born in Benghazi (Libya) of british parents who were in the army but they never registered my birth with the GRO so the BC didn't have a stamp/seal.
So...skip if bored
I ordered a copy of BC from GRO which comes with a dry seal. £9.25
This then goes to the FCO for apostille. £36.00
Then it goes to an Italian consulate who send it to the Home Office for permission to be translated.
Then it goes back to the Ital. consul for translation and stamping. £80.00
Then Ital consul send me everything!
Take it to Comune and the man says "perfetto"
This has saved us 12000 euro in tax on house purchase.
I am a happy person today.
PS so glad I'm not married because marriage certs have to be translated also

well done conie we i and cristine are happy for you benvenuto abruzzo

Excellent news. Well done for your patience and perseverence

Thank you Linseed x

Thank you Lorna -especially for your initial advice and encouragement.