Our impact
Netcity, Romania
Background
Following the liberalization of the Romanian economy, telecommunications operators expanded rapidly by installing aerial fibre-optic cables between buildings, electricity poles and street lighting infrastructure across Bucharest. While this resulted in extensive fibre coverage, it also created fire hazards, interfered with urban infrastructure and transportation networks, and significantly impacted the city’s visual environment. To address these challenges and improve the cityscape, the Municipality of Bucharest awarded a 49-year concession in 2008, granting Netcity exclusive rights to develop and operate an underground telecommunications infrastructure network.
In December 2021, Meridiam acquired a 49% stake in Netcity, accelerating the rollout of the network across Bucharest. Since Meridiam’s investment, Netcity has deployed more than 1,300 km of underground telecommunications infrastructure, expanding the network to over 3,000 km. Today, it serves approximately 70,000 buildings, representing around half of all buildings in the city, and provides connectivity to nearly 600,000 homes and commercial premises.
Meridiam subsequently increased its shareholding by acquiring an additional 31% stake and today holds an 80% stake in the Project Company.
Going forward, Netcity will continue to leverage its extensive infrastructure to support the development of smart city applications, including video surveillance, intelligent transport systems, 5G deployment and other digital infrastructure solutions that enhance urban connectivity and sustainability. Netcity also remains committed to the continued development of its platform and is exploring opportunities to further expand its underground infrastructure footprint to support Bucharest’s connectivity needs.
Stage:
> In operation
ESG/SDG Key Facts:
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
Netcity Fibre has implemented several initiatives to promote gender equality within the organisation, with a particular focus on fair remuneration and women’s representation in management positions. The company has put in place monthly HR monitoring of the gender pay gap, with regular reporting to management, aiming to reduce its gender pay gap and reach a 20% gender pay gap target. In parallel, Netcity Fibre has actively promoted women in leadership positions, by accelerating the career development of female managers through a dedicated Lady Leaders network and targeted coaching programs.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth:
Netcity Fibre contributes to decent work through initiatives aimed at improving employee wellbeing, working conditions, work-life balance, and occupational health and safety. The company has introduced measures to support a healthier lifestyle, including budget allocation for employee participation in wellbeing-related activities such as marathons. It also maintains a permanent focus on vacation days and night shift management, supported by proportional scheduling, execution and reporting processes. In addition, annual medical check-ups are carried out to ensure employees remain fit for their daily activities.
The Project increases the investment capacity of the telecom industry in Romania, supporting economic growth and creating employment opportunities. The Project Company also contributes to improving connectivity and safety across public infrastructure. As part of an initiative to relocate telecommunications cables from building façades to the interior of educational facilities, 10 schools were completed as a pilot in 2023, followed by 8 additional schools in 2024 and a further 2 schools in Q1 2025. Discussions are ongoing with the Municipality regarding the expansion of the programme to additional schools and public buildings in H2 2026.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure:
Netcity improves digital communication and supports economic development and human wellbeing through the provision of critical telecommunications infrastructure across Bucharest. The network currently exceeds 3,000 km of underground telecommunications infrastructure and serves approximately 70,000 buildings, representing around half of all buildings in the city, while providing connectivity to nearly 600,000 homes and commercial premises. The Project Company also works closely with public authorities to improve urban resilience. Following the severe storm of 19 July 2026, which caused five utility poles and 101 trees to fall across Bucharest, telecommunications services remained uninterrupted in the affected areas, as the impacted poles had previously been cleared of overhead cables.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities:
Netcity has made Bucharest safer and more resilient by replacing aerial telecommunications infrastructure with underground networks, reducing safety risks, improving the urban environment and supporting more sustainable urban development.
As part of its Smart City strategy, Netcity has supported several Bucharest districts in designing and deploying dedicated fibre networks for municipal CCTV projects. The company has also contributed to the pilot phase of the Bucharest Traffic Management System and is currently involved in Smart School initiatives, reinforcing its role as a key digital infrastructure partner in the city’s digital transformation.
The Project Company has also launched circular economy initiatives focused on recycling decommissioned fibre optic cables. In partnership with the Municipality of Bucharest, AFOR (the Romanian Fibre Optic Association) and a specialised recycling company, 93 tonnes of fibre optic cables have been collected and delivered for recycling. The recovered materials can be converted into products including paraffin, industrial oils, construction materials and formwork release agents. In parallel, a new collaboration is being explored with the Romanian research institute ICECHIM to further enhance fibre optic waste recycling processes.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions:
Netcity Fibre has strengthened its governance framework through initiatives focused on anti-corruption, transparency, process quality and accountability. The company has adopted and communicated an anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy to all employees, alongside internal procedures designed to ensure robust mechanisms for managing non-compliance. In 2024, Netcity Fibre also obtained ISO 9001, supporting process improvement, risk management and customer satisfaction, as well as ISO 37001, reinforcing its commitment to preventing corruption and promoting transparency.
