Telefónica offers substantially improved 5G coverage at the Vialia Estación shopping center in Vigo through the DAS (distributed antenna system) network, installed by Iberia Small Cell Networks.

Movistar customers can now enjoy high-capacity 5G mobile coverage at the Vialia Estación shopping center in Vigo, as Telefónica became the first carrier to connect to the distributed antenna system (DAS) deployed at the shopping center by Iberia Small Cell Networks (ISC), a provider of mobile network infrastructure services. 

Telefónica’s connection to the indoor network has substantially improved the user experience with Movistar’s 5G coverage both in common commercial areas and inside individual stores, representing a significant leap in coverage and capacity for voice and data transmission. 

Vialia Vigo, operated by Nhood, is one of the pioneering shopping centers in Spain to feature a multi-operator DAS system with 5G technology inside its premises. 

A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is a network of separate antennas that share a central signal source to improve the coverage and capacity of wireless networks in areas with a high concentration of users. These systems are crucial in large buildings, stadiums, airports, tunnels, and—as in this case—shopping centers to provide robust, high-quality mobile connectivity, even indoors. 

Juan Louro, director of Vialia Vigo, says: “This network delivers a transformative mobile experience for visitors, retailers and staff, with excellent coverage, capacity and data speeds.” 

Gerardo Rovira, Director of Mobile Access and Core Network at Telefónica España, emphasises:  “Telefónica is widely recognised for its excellent coverage in Galicia, and for this reason our aim has been to optimise communications within Vialia, which, as well as being one of the largest shopping centres in Galicia, serves as a departure and arrival point for thousands of travellers via its railway station. We have been working intensively towards a twofold objective: on the one hand, to ensure that Movistar’s coverage was excellent; on the other, to ensure it was excellent throughout all areas of the shopping centre. And we are very pleased that this twofold objective has been achieved.” 

Araceli García Cuartango, CEO of Axión, states: “We appreciate the trust placed in us by Telefónica and Nhood in the development of this system, which reinforces our commitment as a technology partner in the deployment of indoor mobile coverage solutions. The infrastructure installed at Vialia Vigo enables high-quality 5G connectivity and lays the groundwork for a neutral network model, ready to be shared by multiple operators, making this shopping center one of the first in Spain to have dedicated 5G infrastructure.” 

Vijay Sodiwala, WIG’s Director of Sales and Business Development, states: “This project represents an important step that demonstrates the strength of shared-infrastructure mobile solutions in delivering reliable coverage in high-demand environments. The rollout of this project at Vialia Vigo reflects our shared commitment to providing consistent, high-quality mobile services that enhance the visitor experience, support local businesses, and strengthen operational performance. We have a proven track record in deploying advanced mobile services worldwide, and we are proud to enable connectivity in one of Spain’s most dynamic commercial destinations.” 

About Telefónica 

Telefónica is one of the world’s leading telecommunications service providers. The company offers fixed and mobile connectivity services, as well as a wide range of digital services for consumers and businesses. It operates in Europe and Latin America, where it has more than 348 million customers. Telefónica is listed on the Spanish continuous market and on the New York and Lima stock exchanges. 

About ISC 

Iberia Small Cell Networks (ISC) was formed through a partnership between Axión and Wireless Infrastructure Group—two of the largest independent telecommunications operators in Spain and the United Kingdom, respectively—to address coverage needs in extremely dense environments and meet the growing demand for mobile voice and data services. 

About Axión 

Axión is a national wholesale provider of telecommunications infrastructure and services, specializing in audiovisual and transport communications networks, critical communications services, and connectivity.  

Axión currently manages more than 5,000 service points distributed throughout the country at more than 600 locations, serving the television, radio, telecommunications, and public administration sectors. 

About Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG) 

Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG) builds and operates high-quality shared wireless infrastructure to enable exceptional mobile connectivity in buildings, urban centers, and rural areas. 

Over the past two decades, the company has developed more than 3,300 shared mobile infrastructure assets in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. Headquartered in the United Kingdom and backed by Brookfield, one of the world’s largest infrastructure investors, the company combines its global strength with its local expertise. 

About Nhood 

Nhood’s mission is to create, revitalize, manage, and transform spaces for its clients to embrace a new lifestyle. It is a real estate services and solutions company that covers all areas of the real estate sector. 

For our client-owners, we handle all aspects of their spaces—whether commercial, recreational, office, or residential—in constant consultation with all community stakeholders, to transform them into vibrant living environments that combine housing, commerce, education, healthcare, and recreational activities. Nhood works to foster the economic vitality of communities while respecting the local economy, the environment, and biodiversity. Within five years, we will have transformed and revitalized several dozen neighborhoods and restored an area equivalent to 36 stadiums in Europe to nature. Our actions and initiatives are evaluated and measured against the most rigorous systems and certifications on the market (BREEAM, GRESB, etc.).