TDF, Nhood and Ceetrus, forerunners in France with a mobile indoor and outdoor coverage offer that connects all 4 French mobile operators
This collaboration represents a major step forward in the field of shopping center connectivity. The agreement between Nhood, on behalf of its customer Ceetrus, and TDF means that 4G-5G connectivity can now be provided in and around shopping centers, either with a shared multi-operator Indoor offering, or an Outdoor offering involving the construction of nearby pylons or rooftop terraces.
The framework agreement covers the entire Ceetrus real estate portfolio. 26 indoor and 12 outdoor sites have already been identified for mobile coverage.
TDF will be responsible for the end-to-end implementation and management of operator reception on these indoor and outdoor infrastructures.
A 4G-5G network to meet the needs of customers and retailers
Today, the need for connectivity is increasingly felt, and is even becoming a decisive criterion when it comes to visiting a shopping center. For 4 out of 10 consumers, a lack of mobile coverage has already prompted them to choose other shopping venues, cut short their visit or not return1. Shoppers are demanding more connectivity to make their shopping easier, with instant access to the information they need.
The initiative by Nhood, on behalf of its customer Ceetrus, and TDF aims to encourage the arrival of mobile operators to provide the necessary connectivity in shopping centers. This enhances the user experience for both customers and retailers, who can offer new services such as the management of a connected loyalty program, contactless or facial recognition payment, or the creation and/or payment of a basket via smartphone by scanning products directly.
Pooling, a lever for reducing environmental footprint
The agreement between Nhood, Ceetrus and TDF is based on infrastructure sharing. Thanks to the technical solution proposed by TDF, using a shared 4G-5G antenna system, the number of pieces of technical equipment is optimized. By pooling equipment and sharing resources, Nhood, Ceetrus and TDF are helping to minimize the ecological impact of their activities and those of mobile operators, while ensuring optimum connectivity for users.
Roland Chedlivili, Co-Managing Director of TDF's Towerco BU, comments: "This partnership with Nhood and Ceetrus represents an important step in our strategy to deploy Indoor 4G-5G connectivity on behalf of our Mobile Operator customers across France. By joining forces with Nhood, we are convinced that we will be able to respond more effectively to the growing needs of users, and thus contribute to the development of tomorrow's digital infrastructures."
Sandrine Clion, Director of Leasing and BtoB Marketing at Nhood France-Luxembourg, comments: "In its drive to conquer new markets, Nhood has made connectivity a key part of its strategy to serve its owner-customers. Connectivity of people, but also digital connectivity, and this is where the partnership with TDF takes on its full meaning: we optimize the experience of visitors and retailers, while enhancing the assets we manage to make them true places to live."
Aymeric Thibord, Managing Director, Portfolio Management at Ceetrus, comments: "Ceetrus is delighted with this collaboration with TDF, which fits in with our ongoing strategy to transform our sites. The digitalization of our sites is one of the levers of action in our strategy, and demonstrates our capacity for innovation in the retail real estate sector. By deploying connectivity at these French shopping centers, we are collectively helping to create utility at our sites for retailers and visitors alike."