Neutral host provider Boldyn Networks announced this week that it has signed an agreement with Roma Capitale, the city's council, to build, manage, operate, and maintain a 5G and Wi-Fi infrastructure across Rome. The vision behind the #Roma5G project is to make Rome, the Italian Capital, a connected, digital, and sustainable smart city.
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Technological Transformation
This development positions Rome, a city of roughly three million citizens, as technologically ready to host around 32 million visitors expected for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations. Additionally, it addresses the needs of approximately 15 million tourists annually who anticipate full connectivity to capture and share their special moments in real time.
Project Highlights
The #Roma5G project, slated for launch in the coming weeks, will focus on safety and environmental sustainability, based on a small cell system that provides reduced energy consumption and low electromagnetic emissions. The plan includes coverage for all metro lines (A, B, C), encompassing 83 stations and 68 km of tunnels, supporting 4G and 5G services.
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The passive infrastructure development encompasses 2200 signal propagation points for 5G coverage in the city, open to all Mobile Network Operators. The plan also includes establishing a free Wi-Fi network with around 850 points in high-traffic areas and deploying 1,800 IoT sensors and 2,000 high-resolution 5G cameras for smart city solutions and land management/control, as outlined by Boldyn Networks.
Collaboration Benefits
Boldyn Networks emphasises that the 25-year concession agreement ensures seamless integration with the city's aesthetics and existing infrastructure. The collaboration between Boldyn Networks and Roma Capitale is anticipated to yield numerous benefits, including enhanced connectivity in busy locations, improved public safety through video surveillance, and the facilitation of digital services provided by the municipality.
The Mayor of Rome expressed enthusiasm, stating, "The collaboration with Boldyn Networks will allow the creation of a next-gen technological network 5G and Wi-Fi to enable the most advanced digital services. Thanks to this project, Rome will become one of the most advanced smart cities in Europe. We will also enable the city to achieve a reduction in electromagnetic emissions, leveraging neutral technology open to all mobile operators."
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Boldyn Networks highlighted the significance of the Roma 5G project, stating, "The Roma 5G project opens possibilities, working with the mobile operators, to benefit all Rome's citizens and visitors for years to come. The #Roma5G project represents the importance of the Italian market for the expansion of Boldyn in Europe."
This announcement follows Boldyn Networks' participation in similar ventures, including LinkNYC in the United States, a long-term partnership with Transport for London, and a 20-year collaboration with Sunderland City Council to create the UK's most advanced smart city.
