RETN launches first PoP in Bologna to boost regional connectivity

RETN has established its first Point of Presence (PoP) in Bologna at the Lepida edge data centre, marking its role as the first international transit operator to provide connectivity at this strategic site.

This move is positioned as part of RETN's approach to expanding its network presence in regions hosting a high density of local operators yet served by fewer international providers. The selected data centre, BOIX, is operated by Lepida, the in-house company of the Emilia-Romagna Region, focused on advancing the region's public digital infrastructure.

According to RETN, the decision to base its latest PoP in Bologna was motivated by several factors, including the concentration of regional network operators, the geographical advantages of the site, and the opportunity to introduce alternative routes to those currently directed through established but busier network hubs such as Milan.

Milko Ilari, Head of Southern Europe at RETN, said: "We chose Bologna to strengthen our network in a region with a vibrant digital ecosystem and a high density of local operators. Our presence in Lepida's edge data centre allows us to offer new opportunities to regional operators, digitally active companies, and public administrations that increasingly require secure, high-performance, and reliable connectivity. This is a substantial step towards engaging with a transforming ecosystem, where the public sector is becoming a key technological stakeholder."

The new PoP is planned to operate as a strategic node on the Bologna-Padua-Vienna route. By providing an international and redundant point of interconnection that is independent of Milan, RETN aims to afford local operators in Emilia-Romagna alternative access to international connectivity. This development is anticipated to enhance regional network resilience by providing additional options for managing demand on digital capacity and ensuring redundancy for critical services.

Alongside the physical connection, RETN will make available its portfolio of connectivity services at the location, encompassing IP Transit, DDoS Mitigation, Transport, and Cloud Connect solutions. These services are designed to support both enterprises and the public sector in meeting the region's growing demands for bandwidth, reliability, and security in digital operations.

Lepida, which manages the data centre and has established partnerships with numerous local network operators, said the arrival of RETN reinforces its position as a regional connectivity hub.

Gianluca Mazzini, CEO of Lepida, said: "Lepida continues its journey in strengthening the regional digital infrastructure, consolidating the role of the BOIX Internet Exchange Point as a strategic hub for advanced connectivity. The entry of a global operator like RETN marks a significant development, as it introduces an international interconnection route that is independent from existing paths, thereby enhancing the stability and continuity of network services."

"This collaboration is part of an active cooperation framework with over 50 telecommunications operators across the Emilia-Romagna region, with whom Lepida has established agreements and for whom it has configured more than 530 ports enabled to deliver services, ensuring high-performance, secure, and reliable connectivity to support businesses and citizens."

RETN's integration at the Lepida data centre offers local operators, technology-oriented businesses, and public administrations increased bandwidth, rapid and secure network connections, and the infrastructure redundancy that critical public and commercial services often demand.

Through this collaboration, RETN is also seeking to deepen its engagement with the regional public sector and local enterprises. The company positions itself to provide value-added connectivity solutions that correspond to current and emerging requirements for speed, security, and reliable uptime.

The partnership is indicative of Lepida's ongoing efforts to increase digital capacity throughout the Emilia-Romagna region. Currently, Lepida maintains cooperative arrangements with over 50 telecommunications operators and has set up more than 530 service-enabled ports to provide consistent and secure connectivity to both the local business community and individual citizens.

The arrival of RETN as the first international transit operator at BOIX is expected to serve as an additional asset to the region, potentially enhancing the overall robustness of its public digital infrastructure and offering new connectivity choices to private and public sector stakeholders in and around Bologna.