Rome is one of the world’s most historic cities, yet its telecommunications infrastructure must support growing demand for reliable mobile connectivity. Busy public spaces, transport networks, historic buildings and major events all require strong network capacity.
The Roma 5G project provides a useful example of how neutral host infrastructure and shared telecommunications infrastructure can support modern urban connectivity.
The Roma 5G project combines mobile connectivity infrastructure with wider smart-city initiatives. Alongside its reported metro network deployment, the broader project includes plans for public Wi-Fi, IoT sensors and connected cameras. INWIT reports that 4G/5G coverage has been completed across all 27 stations and tunnels of Metro Line A and four stations on Line B1, supported by more than 85 km of optical fibre and approximately 1,500 mini antennas.
What Is Neutral Host Infrastructure?
Neutral host infrastructure is shared telecommunications infrastructure that can be used by multiple mobile network operators or service providers.
Instead of every operator deploying completely separate infrastructure, a neutral host model can allow multiple operators to use shared network resources.
Depending on the deployment, this can include:
- 5G small cells
- Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
- Fibre optic backhaul
- Indoor mobile coverage systems
- Street-level telecoms infrastructure
- Connected urban infrastructure
The GSMA identifies neutral-host arrangements as one form of infrastructure sharing that can allow multiple mobile operators to use shared infrastructure.
The exact technical and commercial model varies between deployments, but the principle is straightforward: shared infrastructure can reduce unnecessary duplication and make network deployment more practical in challenging locations.
Why Does Rome Need Shared 5G Infrastructure?
Historic cities create telecommunications challenges. Rome has dense streets, historic buildings, underground transport networks and busy public spaces where space for new infrastructure can be limited.
Deploying separate equipment for every network operator can increase complexity, particularly in metro stations, tunnels and high-demand public areas.
The Roma 5G project, developed through Smart City Roma, an INWIT Group company, in partnership with Roma Capitale, demonstrates how shared digital infrastructure can support mobile connectivity alongside wider urban services.
This makes shared telecom infrastructure increasingly relevant to cities looking to improve connectivity while making better use of limited urban space.
How 5G Small Cells Improve Urban Connectivity
Traditional macro cell sites remain essential to mobile networks, but they cannot always provide sufficient capacity in areas where large numbers of users are concentrated.
5G small cells can help by bringing radio equipment closer to users and adding capacity where demand is high.
They can be deployed in locations such as:
- City centres
- Public squares
- Transport hubs
- Business districts
- Shopping areas
- Event venues
Small cells are therefore an important part of 5G network densification, particularly where cities need additional capacity without relying solely on large macro sites.
How DAS Supports 5G in Rome’s Metro
Underground transport networks present another major connectivity challenge. Concrete structures, tunnels, confined spaces and high passenger density can make reliable mobile coverage difficult to deliver.
A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) distributes wireless signals through multiple antennas connected to a central system. A multi-operator DAS can allow several mobile operators to use shared infrastructure.
In April 2025, the first nine Jubilee stations on Rome’s Metro Line A and their connecting tunnels received 4G/5G connectivity. By the end of 2025, INWIT reported completed 4G/5G coverage across all 27 stations and tunnels of Line A and four stations on Line B1, supported by more than 85 km of optical fibre and approximately 1,500 mini antennas.
This provides a practical example of how neutral host 5G infrastructure and DAS technology can be used in complex underground environments.
Why Infrastructure Sharing Matters
Infrastructure sharing can benefit both mobile network operators and cities.
The GSMA notes that infrastructure sharing can help reduce unnecessary duplication and provide additional capacity in congested areas where space is limited.
For urban 5G deployments, potential benefits include:
More efficient deployment: Multiple operators can use common infrastructure.
Better use of urban space: Shared infrastructure can reduce the need for separate physical installations.
Network densification: Small cells and DAS can provide additional capacity closer to users.
Multi-operator connectivity: Different mobile networks can make use of shared infrastructure.
Future digital services: The same infrastructure can potentially support IoT, public Wi-Fi, connected cameras and other smart-city applications.
However, the benefits depend on the technical design, ownership model, commercial agreements and regulatory environment. Neutral host infrastructure is a model, not a guarantee of identical outcomes in every city.
Rome’s 5G Project Goes Beyond Mobile Connectivity
The Roma 5G project extends beyond traditional mobile connectivity.
Its wider digital infrastructure includes:
| Infrastructure | Role |
| 5G small cells | Additional mobile capacity |
| Fibre optic networks | High-capacity connectivity and backhaul |
| Multi-operator infrastructure | Shared mobile connectivity |
| Public Wi-Fi | Connectivity in public spaces |
| IoT sensors | Environmental monitoring |
| Connected cameras | Urban monitoring |
The wider Roma 5G programme has set targets of more than 850 free public Wi-Fi hotspots across 100 squares, over 1,800 IoT sensors and 2,000 connected cameras. According to INWIT’s 2025 Integrated Report, free public Wi-Fi had been activated in 75 squares by 31 December 2025. These figures distinguish the programme’s wider objectives from its reported deployment progress.
This demonstrates how telecommunications infrastructure can become a foundation for wider smart-city services, rather than simply connecting smartphones.
What Can Other Cities Learn from Rome?
Rome’s experience highlights several important lessons for future urban 5G deployments.
1. Plan connectivity as a wider digital ecosystem.
Mobile networks, fibre, public Wi-Fi, IoT and smart-city systems can increasingly work together.
2. Consider infrastructure sharing where space is limited.
Historic centres and underground transport networks can make separate deployments difficult.
3. Recognise the role of fibre in 5G.
High-capacity wireless networks depend on supporting fibre infrastructure and backhaul.
4. Design infrastructure for multiple uses.
Shared infrastructure can potentially support mobile connectivity alongside IoT, Wi-Fi and connected urban services.
5. Treat neutral host as part of a wider connectivity strategy.
Successful deployments depend on technical integration, operator requirements, permissions, ownership and long-term maintenance.
The Future of Neutral Host Infrastructure
As mobile data demand continues to grow, cities will need reliable, high-capacity networks that can support more users and connected devices. 5G small cells, fibre backhaul and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are likely to play an increasingly important role in meeting these demands.
Neutral host infrastructure offers one approach to expanding connectivity by allowing multiple mobile network operators to share network infrastructure. This can be particularly useful in transport hubs, commercial buildings and densely populated urban areas where deploying separate infrastructure for every operator may be challenging.
Looking ahead, shared telecommunications infrastructure could also support the development of smart-city services, including public Wi-Fi, connected sensors and urban monitoring systems, depending on local requirements and deployment plans.
For telecom operators and infrastructure providers, the opportunity lies in developing flexible, scalable networks that can accommodate growing connectivity needs while making efficient use of existing urban space.
Conclusion
Rome’s 5G project highlights how neutral host infrastructure can help address connectivity challenges in a historic and densely populated city. Its metro network deployment demonstrates the role of shared infrastructure, fibre backhaul and distributed antennas in extending mobile connectivity across complex urban environments.
For other cities, the key takeaway is that improving connectivity requires more than installing additional 5G equipment. Infrastructure sharing, careful planning and collaboration between network operators, infrastructure providers and local authorities can all contribute to more efficient urban connectivity.
As cities continue to modernise their digital infrastructure, the neutral host model offers a practical option to consider when planning scalable and reliable mobile networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is neutral host infrastructure?
Neutral host infrastructure is shared telecommunications infrastructure that can support multiple mobile network operators or service providers. It can include small cells, DAS, fibre and other network infrastructure.
How does neutral host infrastructure support 5G?
It can allow multiple operators to use shared infrastructure, helping deploy additional coverage and capacity where separate infrastructure may be difficult or inefficient.
Why are 5G small cells important in cities?
5G small cells provide additional capacity in high-demand areas such as city centres, public squares, transport hubs and business districts.
What is a Distributed Antenna System?
A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) distributes wireless signals through multiple antennas to improve mobile coverage and capacity in buildings, tunnels and transport networks.
How is Rome using neutral host infrastructure?
The Roma 5G project combines mobile connectivity infrastructure with fibre, public Wi-Fi, IoT and connected-camera infrastructure across parts of Rome, including its metro network and public squares.
Can neutral host infrastructure support smart cities?
Yes. Depending on the deployment, shared digital infrastructure can support mobile networks alongside Wi-Fi, IoT sensors, connected cameras and other smart-city applications.
