The 5G Revolution: How Indoor Connectivity is Transforming High-Traffic Spaces

The mobile communications industry is undergoing a seismic shift, propelled by the rapid deployment of 5G standalone (SA) networks. These next-generation networks are unlocking unprecedented opportunities—network slicing, ultra-low latency, and differentiated connectivity services—that go far beyond the limitations of traditional “best-effort” models. But one of the most pressing challenges in this evolution? Ensuring seamless indoor 5G coverage, particularly in densely populated spaces like shopping malls, transit hubs, and stadiums.
A recent breakthrough in Taipei, Taiwan, has set a new benchmark for indoor 5G performance. Ericsson, in collaboration with local communications service providers (CSPs), conducted a multi-operator 5G Radio Dot System field test at Taipei City Mall—the country’s largest underground shopping complex. This trial wasn’t just a technical showcase; it was a glimpse into the future of how 5G will reshape connectivity in high-traffic environments.

Why Indoor 5G Coverage is the Next Big Battlefield

1. The Challenge of High-Density Spaces

Shopping malls, airports, and metro stations are connectivity black holes. Thick walls, interference from crowds, and competing signals from multiple carriers often lead to spotty coverage and sluggish speeds. Yet, these are precisely the places where people demand—and expect—flawless connectivity.
The Taipei City Mall trial tackled this head-on. Located beneath a major transit hub, the mall sees hundreds of thousands of daily visitors, making it an ideal stress test for 5G reliability. Ericsson’s Radio Dot System, optimized for Taiwan’s 3.5GHz spectrum, used 4×4 MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology to deliver high throughput and rock-solid connections. The real kicker? The system supported Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN), meaning multiple carriers could share the same infrastructure while keeping their core networks separate.
This isn’t just about better bars on your phone—it’s about enabling smart retail, AR navigation, and real-time analytics in spaces where connectivity was previously an afterthought.

2. The Economics of Shared Infrastructure

Building separate 5G networks for each carrier in every mall or stadium is prohibitively expensive. That’s why shared RAN (Radio Access Network) solutions, like the one tested in Taipei, are game-changers.
– Cost Efficiency: Instead of duplicating hardware, multiple operators share the same physical infrastructure, slashing deployment costs.
– Optimized Spectrum Use: MOCN allows carriers to pool their spectrum resources, improving overall network capacity.
– Faster Rollout: Shared networks mean faster deployment in high-demand areas, giving CSPs a competitive edge.
Taiwan’s trial proves that collaboration beats competition when it comes to indoor 5G. Similar tests, like Far EasTone’s 5G-A trials at Taipei Dome, further highlight how curated Quality of Service (QoS) can enhance experiences in packed venues.

3. The Broader Impact on Smart Cities and Beyond

The implications of robust indoor 5G extend far beyond shopping malls:
– Smart Retail: Stores can deploy AI-powered analytics, cashierless checkout, and personalized promotions—all requiring ultra-reliable connectivity.
– Public Safety: Real-time surveillance and emergency response systems in transit hubs become more effective with low-latency 5G.
– Entertainment & Events: Stadiums and concert venues can offer immersive AR experiences and instant replay streams without buffering.
The Taipei trial is just one piece of a global puzzle. From smart factories in Germany to underground metro networks in Tokyo, the race to perfect indoor 5G is heating up.

The Future of 5G: Seamless, Everywhere

The success of the Taipei City Mall trial isn’t just a technical win—it’s a blueprint for the future. By proving that multi-operator shared networks work, Ericsson and Taiwan’s CSPs have set a new standard for indoor 5G deployments.
For service providers, this means new revenue streams—think premium QoS tiers for businesses or IoT-driven smart services. For consumers, it means no more dead zones in the places that matter most. And for urban planners, it’s a critical step toward truly smart cities.
The 5G revolution isn’t just happening on street corners and rooftops—it’s moving indoors, transforming how we live, shop, and move through high-traffic spaces. And if Taipei’s trial is any indication, the future of connectivity is faster, smarter, and more seamless than ever.