RETN becomes the first international transit operator at Lepida’s edge data centre, supporting the development of strategic public infrastructure in the Bologna area
Bologna– September 24, 2025 – RETN, the leading independent global network services provider, announces the launch of a new Point of Presence (PoP) in Bologna at BOIX, the edge data centre operated by Lepida S.c.p.A., the in-house company of the Emilia-Romagna Region dedicated to the development of the regional public digital infrastructure.
This new footprint in Bologna aligns with RETN’s strategy to expand its network in areas with a high concentration of local operators, often less served by international players. The selection of Lepida’s data centre reflects a strategic evaluation, considering the presence of dynamic regional operators, a favourable geographical location, and the opportunity to offer alternative routes to traditionally congested hubs such as Milan.
"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" said Milko Ilari, Head of Southern Europe at RETN.
"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,” said Gianluca Mazzini, CEO of Lepida.
The new PoP will act as a strategic node along the Bologna-Padua-Vienna route, offering local operators a point of international and redundant interconnection, independent from the traditional Milan route. In addition to its physical infrastructure, RETN will also offer its full suite of IP services, including IP Transit, DDoS Mitigation, Transport and Cloud Connect. These will support the region’s digital evolution with scalable, resilient, and high-performance solutions, significantly boosting network capacity to benefit the entire digital system in Emilia-Romagna.
With this launch, RETN becomes the first international transit operator within Lepida’s edge data centre in Bologna, enhancing the value of a strategic public infrastructure. The new PoP represents a tangible opportunity for local operators, digitally active companies, and the Public Administration by providing greater bandwidth availability, secure and fast connections, and essential infrastructure redundancy for critical services. Through this collaboration with Lepida, a recognised reference point for public sector connectivity and digital innovation, RETN aims to strengthen its ties to this ecosystem, positioning itself as a strategic partner not only for Bologna-based enterprises but also for the public sector, enabling value-added connectivity services aligned with growing needs for security, speed, and reliability.
About RETN
RETN is one of the fastest growing independent Eurasian network services providers, awarded the title of Innovation Disruptor of the Year, at the prestigious Global Connectivity Awards 2024, and the Digital Infrastructure Action Award, by The Tech Capital in 2025.
RETN’s unique solution to connect Europe and Asia is built on its own homogenous DWDM and IP/MPLS Network Platform and widely branched land routes, passing through Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia up to the border with China and further onwards into Southeast Asia.
RETN provides telecommunication services throughout its Eurasian network with short lead times, industry leading uptimes, and multiple layers of redundancy.
For more information on RETN and its services, please visit the company's website at www.retn.net
For press enquiries, please contact pr@retn.net
