Rome to launch neutral host 5G network

The City of Rome has signed a 25-year concession agreement with neutral host provider Boldyn Networks for the construction, operation and maintenance of 5G and Wi-Fi infrastructure across the Italian capital.

The project will cover all metro lines, including 83 stations and 68 km of tunnels, providing services for both 4G and 5G across all frequency bands.

Boldyn will build 2,200 signal propagation points using small cells that can be accessed by all mobile network operators. A free Wi-Fi network will also be rolled out with 850 points of presence distributed in 100 squares and surrounding areas that are popular with tourists.

In addition, Boldyn will supply, install and manage 1,800 Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and 2,000 high-resolution 5G cameras for smart city applications related to environmental and traffic monitoring, public safety and land management.

According to the announcement, the Roma5G project will have a focus on safety and environmental sustainability, based on a small cell system that provides reduced energy consumption and low electromagnetic emissions. Boldyn said the infrastructure will “integrate seamlessly with the aesthetics of the city and existing installed equipment”.

‘Advanced digital services’

Rome has a population of 3 million citizens and draws 15 million tourists each year. The announcement also comes ahead of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, which are expected to attract around 32 million visitors.

Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome, said: “We are proud to be able to kick off one of the most strategically relevant projects for the future of our city. The collaboration with Boldyn Networks will allow the creation of a next-gen technological network [for] 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 a neutral technology open to all mobile operators.”

Boldyn is also involved in New York’s LinkNYC free Wi-Fi project and has long-term partnerships with Transport for London and Sunderland City Council.