Boldyn Networks, one of the world's largest shared network infrastructure providers, has agreed to acquire Germany-based 5G private network specialist Smart Mobile Labs (SML) for an undisclosed amount.
This marks the firm's first expansion into Germany, a highly active private 5G networks market. Boldyn Networks, formerly BAI Group in the Northern hemisphere, has made several acquisitions over the past few years of mobile private networks (MPN) speciliasts including Vilicom in 2021, and Cellnex's private networks business unit Edzcom in 2024.
The firm now claims to have over 110 private 4G and 5G network implementations in five European markets as well as the US, and holding its own spectrum license in Australia.
According to Boldyn, SML is the market leader for bespoke 5G private network applications in Germany, who has done numerous deployments of inter-public and private 5G roaming solutions for Industry 4.0 campus projects.
Boldyn plans to use SML’s technical knowledge for tailored use cases and strong customer relations to further develop its network-as-a-service officering, with Germany expecting to become one of the largest markets for 5G in Europe over the next decade. The German regulator has allocated a dedicated 100 MHz portion in the 3.7 -3.8 GHz range for use by verticals enabling 5G MPN or campus networks, which has lead to a growth in deployment and use cases.
SML Chief Operating Officer Rüdiger Hnyk commented on how the acquisition will help drive new product offerings for emerging technologies. “From remote driven trains and container handling solutions for logistics storage, to autonomous driving and valet parking, safety applications like ‘5G drone patrol’, and video camera control solutions for airports, our joint capabilities will be best suited to cover the growing demands of a variety of sectors successfully.”
Boldyn Networks Group Strategy Officer Justin Berger commented “by bringing Smart Mobile Labs’ expertise to Boldyn, we’ll be able to scale our existing private networks expertise to benefit customers looking for a partner of choice across a wider area of Europe.”
Klaus Nagora, founder and chief executive at Smart Mobile Labs, said “not only will we be able to scale our private network and EVO offerings inside of Germany, but worldwide, now with the backing of a neutral host portfolio leader and a global team of experts. We share Boldyn’s focus on developing bold solutions that can solve our customers’ needs”
