INWIT and A2A join forces for Milan Smart City
The agreement starts with the installation of 5G small cells on public lamp-posts, the first ones activated by TIM in the city centre
Milan, 14 November 2024 – INWIT, Italy’s digital infrastructure company, has joined forces with A2A through its subsidiary A2A Smart City to enhance Milan’s smart city capabilities, starting with the roll-out of 5G connectivity via small cell installations.
This collaboration between INWIT and A2A, aims to transform Milan into an even more advanced “smart” city by expanding the installation of small cells across up to 1,000 public lamp-posts in the coming years. This initiative will address the anticipated surge in 5G traffic and the growing demand for denser mobile network coverage, ensuring that all operators can meet specific coverage needs.
The agreement signed between INWIT and A2A Smart City has already led to the installation of a first tranche of small cells in various central areas of Milan (Duomo, Brera, Garibaldi-Repubblica, Parco Lambro-Cimiano). These small cells, which are capable of transmitting complex data such as video streams, are mounted on lamp-posts managed by A2A Illuminazione Pubblica. They are connected via A2A Smart City’s fibre optic network and have been activated by TIM.
This solution enhances the coverage and capacity of Milan’s 5G network, providing vital support to mobile operators by complementing traditional telecommunication towers. It also contributes to reducing land use and extending high-speed connectivity to areas of the city with the highest demand for ultrabroadband mobile data, benefiting both businesses and residents.
A2A’s technological and physical assets not only reduce energy consumption by 75% with LED lighting but also enable synergistic services through sensors, radar systems for traffic management, video surveillance, electric vehicle charging points integrated into lamp-posts, and smart traffic lights. When combined with INWIT’s macro- and micro-coverage network, this infrastructure creates a robust, multi-operator system that supports Milan’s growth and enhances its attractiveness as a smart city. Furthermore, thanks to this collaboration and A2A Smart City’s expertise, existing city infrastructure—such as public lighting—has been upgraded and transformed into smart nodes within a state-of-the-art transmission network that is both efficient and secure.
The project consolidates INWIT’s presence in the Lombardy capital, thanks to an important deployment plan which adds to the over 600 multi-operator telecommunications towers allowing all telecommunications operators to provide coverage across the city. INWIT’s micro-antennas are already deployed in key locations throughout Milan, including the new M4 metro line, which runs from San Babila to San Cristoforo. This line is not only the first in Italy, but one of the first in Europe to offer full 5G coverage. INWIT’s technology is also present in major hospitals, Fiera Milano, the main CityLife towers, and the Merlata Bloom shopping centre, the largest in Europe.
For A2A, this initiative aligns with the Group’s broader strategy to implement cutting-edge technological solutions that enhance the quality of life for both citizens and businesses. With this pilot project, A2A is actively contributing to the expansion of ultrabroadband connectivity in Milan, positioning the city for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. The 5G network is pivotal to the transformation of cities into Smart Cities, enabling the deployment of innovative solutions that address contemporary urban challenges while promoting sustainable development. This initiative further strengthens A2A Smart City’s presence in Milan, where the company manages an extensive, city-wide fibre optic network that supports essential services such as communication infrastructure and urban video surveillance.
“INWIT continues to invest to support telecommunications operators in efficiently meeting the growing need for connectivity. The small cells add to the investments in outdoor towers and indoor DASs (Distributed Antenna Systems), in an infrastructure model open to all operators that brings efficiency and innovation” – says Diego Galli, General Manager of INWIT.
“As A2A Smart City, our mission is to optimise every facet of the urban ecosystem, making cities smarter, more sustainable and better equipped to face the challenges of the future. The installation of 5G small cells on public lamp-posts is a prime example of how technology can seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure. With this project, Milan is stepping into a new digital era, positioning itself as a leading smart city model in Europe. This initiative reflects A2A’s commitment to developing sustainable solutions with a strong social impact, designed to meet the evolving needs of both citizens and businesses. It is a key step in guiding Milan toward accessible, competitive technological growth,” commented Cesare Sironi, CEO of A2A Smart City.
“TIM is dedicated to shaping the cities of the future, more connected, data-driven and responsive to the needs of both administrators and citizens. Through TIM Enterprise’s smart land model, built on an urban intelligence platform already adopted by numerous municipalities, we bring together cutting-edge cloud, IoT, 5G, and AI technologies, equipping local government with an evolved, sustainable and secure city model, offering real-time solutions to address the needs of residents. The collaboration with INWIT and A2A to enhance connectivity across the Milan area is a key step in this direction,” said Elio Schiavo, TIM’s Chief Enterprise and Innovative Solutions Officer.