en.Wedoany.com Reported - Since June 30, Naples Metro Line 1 has achieved full 4G and 5G network coverage, allowing passengers to maintain continuous connectivity in tunnels and underground stations. The service was officially launched on the same day, celebrated by Valerio Di Pietro, the councilor for Digital Transformation and Smart City of Naples, via a video call at the Municipio station.
This digital infrastructure was promoted by Cellnex, sponsored by the Municipality of Naples (Comune di Napoli), and implemented in collaboration with the Naples Transport Company (ANM, Azienda Napoletana Mobilità). The project not only improves signal coverage but also provides a technological platform for developing new services in mobility, safety, tourism, and smart city management in the future.
During the demonstration, Councilor Di Pietro noted that the launch of the service marks a paradigm shift. He stated that a video call was unimaginable just a few days ago, and now achieving connectivity on Line 1 platforms and trains is crucial for leisure, work, tourism, and safety emergencies. Federico Protto, President and CEO of Cellnex Italia, emphasized that the project's value lies in making technology "invisible" to users. He explained that the metro uses a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), a multi-operator, neutral system open to all operators, with visual impact minimized.
Protto also mentioned that Naples is at the forefront of digitalization, including supercomputers, digital twins, and the first smart road on an Italian highway, with Cellnex's next step being to cover Line 6. Marco Bellezza, CEO of Eutalia representing the Ministry for Digital Transformation, stated that a new phase has begun after the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), with over 9,000 schools already connected, surpassing targets. He pointed out that European Commission data shows a positive trend in Italy's digitalization over the past five years.
Francesco Favo, General Manager of the Naples Transport Company (ANM), stated that with the infrastructure ready, there are advantages in security monitoring and train geolocation, but also greater security responsibilities, with a focus on cybersecurity. Serena Riccio, Head of ANM's Transport Infrastructure area, recalled that the project began in 2019, with complex construction and limited time windows, but was ultimately successful, and future work will proceed on Line 6. Edoardo Fusco, Head of Transport Infrastructure for the Municipality of Naples, introduced that the city has invested 14 million euros in digitalization, with all traffic lights equipped with smart sensors. The next step will involve using 5G, and video surveillance systems have already been installed in tunnels.
In subsequent discussions, telecom operators reiterated the importance of shared infrastructure and public-private partnerships. Luciano Ausiello, Deployment & Maintenance Operations Director at WindTre, stated that the experience of Naples Metro Line 1 proves that cooperation between operators and infrastructure entities is necessary to accelerate connectivity development. Domenico Ferro, Head of Architecture & Demand at TIM, noted that citizens take connectivity for granted, requiring infrastructure to facilitate service provision. Massimiliano Gasparroni, CTSO at Fastweb + Vodafone, stated that connectivity fosters new solutions and mentioned ongoing attention to the America's Cup project, serving as a technical partner for Luna Rossa in 5G, providing performance analysis and real-time communication tools.
Ersilia Manzo, CTO at iliad, believes that connectivity becomes a fundamental right when entering public environments, and metro coverage is a bet won, requiring institutional coordination and teamwork. Alessandro Prosdocimo, Commercial Director at Cellnex Italia, concluded that cooperation between public administration, transport managers, and operators is the true value of the project, with shared infrastructure guiding investments, and expressed hope to replicate the Milan metro model in Naples. Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, President of the UniVerde Foundation, pointed out that digital infrastructure can combine innovation, sustainability, and public service quality. Edoardo Cosenza, Councilor for Infrastructure and Mobility of Naples, integrated the project into the city's development strategy, stating that Line 1 carries 140,000 passengers daily, reduces car traffic by 120,000 vehicles annually, and has seen a 23% increase in passenger numbers compared to last year, with full 5G coverage expected by 2027.
