The project includes 33km of tunnels, 1,000 network elements and 16 stations and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Orange’s towerco subsidiary TOTEM has begun 5G deployment of 1,000 equipment tunnels for the future Line 15 South. It is one of four new automated rail lines being introduced in Paris as part of the ambitious Grand Paris Express transport project.
TOTEM aims to deploy 5G across 33 km of Line 15 South and its 16 stations by the end of 2025. 5G infrastructure will be available to all mobile phone operators to connect customers on trains and platforms.
Once completed, the Grand Paris Express line will be the first 5G-connected line within the Paris metro system.
industrial scale
The Société des grands projets team that developed the Grand Paris Express project incorporated a 100% connected metro development into its design.
Deploying 5G networks inside tunnels is a technical challenge. Tunnels are indoor spaces that are crowded with people, have dense movement, and have super-thick walls that block radio waves. It must also meet all carrier coverage specifications.
TOTEM says 80% of its connections are indoors, positioning it as a leading towerco connecting underground transportation, stadiums, concert halls and shopping malls.
Thierry Papin, CEO of TOTEM France, said: “Indoor connectivity is a top priority for transportation agencies. TOTEM’s operational deployment of 5G in the Grand Paris Express’ future Route 15 South tunnel and stations is a major industrial project.”
