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5G throughout Milan’s M4 metro line for iliad, TIM, Vodafone and WINDTRE thanks to INWIT’s DAS

M4 becomes the first metro line in Italy and among the first in Europe to have full 5G coverage

Milan, 12 October 2024 – Milan takes a step forward on the path to becoming a “smart city”, with the completion of 4G and 5G coverage on the M4 metro line, making it the first metro line in Italy with full 5G coverage, and one of the first in Europe.  Thanks to the dedicated multi-operator DAS (Distributed Antenna System) for indoor locations developed by INWIT, Italy’s leading tower operator, passengers using the line’s San Babila-San Cristoforo section, which opened today, can also count on 4G and 5G coverage from iliad, TIM, Vodafone and WINDTRE.

From today, INWIT’s multi-operator DAS equipment for 4G and 5G dedicated coverage, which has been in place on the line’s Linate-San Babila section since 2023, will enable telecommunications operators to provide 4G and 5G service on all 15km of the M4 line, including all tunnels and the new metro’s 21 stations. In its entirety, the infrastructure developed by INWIT consists of 400 remote units (over 200 of which were created for the last section), over 1100 antennas (almost 600 in the new section), visually imperceptible and with a negligible environmental impact, wired with a total of 25 thousand metres of optical fibre. The latest-generation networks of the various operators thus enable passengers travelling on the M4 line to use their smartphones, tablets and PCs quickly and effectively through advanced technology, as well as making it possible to develop specific IoT solutions.

This confirms that the infrastructure-sharing model enables an accelerated and more efficient development of telecommunications networks, benefiting territories and citizens.

With the completion of DAS on the M4 line, INWIT has added an important new component to its strategy of developing and enabling mobile operators’ connectivity, following investments in the metro networks of Brescia, Catania and Naples. In total, INWIT’s infrastructure services now cover over 40 kilometres of metro networks and about 1000 kilometres of road and motorway tunnels.

“The M4 project demonstrates INWIT’s commitment to building efficient and modern digital infrastructure for mobile connectivity, including in the vital transport sector, to support all operators and to benefit the digital transition to smart cities”, says Diego Galli, INWIT’s General Manager.

“For Iliad, reaching out to users means being committed to providing quality services and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The extension of metro network coverage is a clear indication of our commitment in this respect, with the aim of supporting the digital transition and providing all users with a continuous and effective service”, says Benedetto Levi, iliad’s Chief Executive Officer.

“In Italy and in Europe, the M4 project is an example of excellence not just in terms of infrastructure but also in innovation. The mobile network system built with other operators will guarantee passengers a high-quality service thanks to stable and high-performance connections. It represents a virtuous example and a benchmark for creating smarter, more digital and liveable cities and it is our mission to provide these services”, explains Pietro Labriola, TIM’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The 5G coverage on Milan’s M4 line is a concrete example of how technology can support the creation of services for citizens and modernise our transport network. This allows us to respond to the growing demands of connected and smart urban mobility driven by the Municipality of Milan. Vodafone actively contributes, in collaboration with the various market players, to creating innovative solutions that can respond to the construction of smart cities”, adds Aldo Bisio, CEO of Vodafone Italy.

“At WindTre we strive to simplify people’s lives, and this project aims to improve citizens’ quality of life. Modern life increasingly interweaves work, study and leisure and it is essential that connections support this flexibility on the go, especially in a dynamic city like Milan”, says Gianluca Corti, CEO of WINDTRE.

“Another innovative step which means we can offer passengers on the M4 line, arriving in Milan for business and leisure, an unrivalled travel experience” – notes Alessandro Lamberti, Chairman of the M4 – This initiative is testimony to the incredible efforts that we make every day to contribute to the city of Milan’s development”.