Ensuring efficient 5G network coverage in indoor locations such as stadiums, shopping centers, or performance halls has become essential to meet the growing expectations of visitors in terms of connectivity. Increasingly, this connectivity is becoming a must-have for site managers to offer additional services. Discover how 5G, with suitable equipment and the solutions proposed by TOTEM, is revolutionizing the connected experience by addressing connectivity needs while considering the specific technical challenges of indoor environments.

Why is 5g network coverage indispensable in indoor locations?

Visitor expectations: immediate, reliable, high-speed mobile connectivity

In indoor locations such as stadiums, shopping centers, or performance halls, visitors expect instant and efficient connectivity. Whether it’s sharing a live video, browsing online to find their concert ticket, or using digital services (for example, for visitors ordering in pick and collect during intermissions, or for site managers to facilitate the management of restroom or site access crowds), a smooth high-speed connection has become a requirement. 5G meets these needs with its fast speeds and ability to manage numerous simultaneous connections. TOTEM, as a telecommunications infrastructure manager, offers tailored solutions, helping to meet these needs while enhancing the user experience. To achieve this, TOTEM ensures design, implementation, carries the necessary investment, and deploys state-of-the-art shared equipment for multiple operators, taking into account the site architecture and ensuring the best possible integration of this equipment into the building.

Specific challenges of indoor locations: interference, faraday cage, and user density

Large buildings pose unique technical challenges: construction materials (concrete, steel, glass) block electromagnetic fields (this is the principle of the Faraday cage, particularly found in subways, trains, and recent constructions), and the concentration of many connected users can cause network saturation. These constraints require specific solutions such as the installation of suitable antennas, such as DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems). TOTEM, thanks to its expertise in deploying this equipment, enables overcoming these obstacles and ensuring reliable and seamless 5G network coverage in the most complex environments.

Technical solutions to optimize 5g coverage indoors: subways, performance halls, shopping centers…

Key equipment: DAS antennas for 5g

In indoor environments, ensuring optimal connectivity relies on the use of suitable technologies. DAS antennas are designed to distribute the 5G signal in complex spaces, such as stadiums or shopping centers, minimizing dead zones. These strategically deployed devices meet the specific needs of indoor locations. TOTEM, as a tower company, can also go further in the mobile coverage project of the site by deploying a shared mobile infrastructure outside the building, either through the installation of mobile equipment on the roof of the site (what is called rooftop towers) or through the installation of a ground-based towers, for example, in the parking lot.

How TOTEM optimizes connectivity in indoor locations

TOTEM, with its expertise in deploying indoor solutions, supports venue managers in integrating equipment such as DAS, thus enabling them to offer additional services to their clients (connected parking, digital fitting rooms, digital ticketing, click and collect…). As a partner of telecom operators, TOTEM ensures the commercial relationship with operators and guarantees homogeneous and efficient coverage, even in environments with strong technical constraints. This approach effectively meets visitor requirements and provides a quality connected experience while optimizing the number of necessary telecom infrastructures and interventions on-site to ensure their deployment and maintenance. This is the true benefit of infrastructure sharing.

Enhanced services thanks to optimized 5g coverage

Streamlining flows: parking, access, and movement

Optimized 5G network coverage in indoor locations allows for the smooth flow of visitors through real-time connected solutions. For example, parking management is simplified with IoT sensors that instantly inform about available spaces. Similarly, optimizing access and movement in stadiums or shopping centers becomes smoother thanks to enhanced connectivity. TOTEM, by providing suitable infrastructures, helps venue managers deploy these connected solutions to improve the visitor experience.

Connected digital services: click and collect and real-time management

With efficient 5G coverage, digital services like click and collect become even more accessible. Visitors can order online and pick up their purchases without waiting, thanks to instant communication between connected systems. Furthermore, real-time management of people and equipment flows is facilitated, reducing wait times and improving operational efficiency. TOTEM, by ensuring reliable connectivity, allows venue managers to integrate these innovative services and meet users’ connectivity needs.

FAQ – your questions about 5g network coverage

How to know if my municipality has 5g?

To find out if your municipality has 5G, you can consult the coverage maps of telecom operators (Orange, Bouygues Telecom, SFR, Free). These maps indicate the areas where 5G is deployed. TOTEM, by working closely with these operators, contributes to expanding this coverage.

Which operator has the best 5g coverage?

ARCEP conducts an annual ranking of mobile operators based on the quality of their mobile network. The quality of 5G coverage varies by operator and region. Infrastructure sharing allows for further advancements in mobile coverage projects, which TOTEM is proud to contribute to.

Does 5g work everywhere?

No, 5G does not yet work everywhere. Its coverage depends on the deployed antennas and the frequencies used. For example, in indoor locations or certain rural areas, 5G is not yet available everywhere. TOTEM, as a TowerCo, plays a key role in infrastructure sharing to install infrastructures that extend mobile coverage.

What are the disadvantages of 5g?

5G has some disadvantages, including costly deployment and limitations in poorly covered areas. Additionally, the high frequencies used by 5G have a shorter range, requiring a dense network of antennas. TOTEM helps address these challenges by providing shared infrastructure solutions tailored to operators’ needs.

Ensuring optimal connectivity for your indoor spaces

Ensuring efficient 5G network coverage in indoor spaces has become a necessity to meet the growing expectations of visitors and optimize connected services. With its expertise and suitable infrastructures, TOTEM supports venue managers in implementing tailored solutions, ensuring homogeneous and reliable connectivity. By choosing partners like TOTEM, you prepare your indoor spaces to meet the challenges of tomorrow while enriching your visitors’ experience.