This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on October 12, 2026 - October 18, 2026

Mall developers need to incorporate telecommunications infrastructure at the planning stage as growing demand for digital payments, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and 5G services puts greater pressure on indoor connectivity, says EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd.

Planning fibre pathways, equipment rooms and power requirements from the outset makes it easier and less costly to expand network capacity later, says its chief operating officer Ravin Vickneswaran.

The telecommunications tower infrastructure provider works with malls to deploy 5G-ready infrastructure and connectivity solutions.

“As these mixed-use developments become more digitally enabled, the quality of connectivity becomes just as important as the physical space itself. Robust connectivity, in-building coverage and network densification will be essential to support the growing number of digital services that consumers and businesses expect.”

Retailers increasingly rely on interconnected point-of-sale terminals, inventory and supply-chain systems, digital price displays and security systems. For consumers, stable indoor coverage supports services such as mobile payments, navigation, personalised promotions and smart lockers.

A shopper could receive a promotion through an application, use indoor navigation to find a store, make a digital payment and collect an online order from a smart locker. These services depend on consistent coverage across the property, rather than connectivity being concentrated in common areas.

“The future of retail is about creating a connected ecosystem where both digital and physical experiences complement one another, delivering greater convenience for consumers while helping retailers and property owners operate more efficiently,” says Ravin.

A mall’s connectivity architecture typically combines several layers. Outdoor macro sites provide coverage around the development while a high-capacity fibre backbone links the property to the wider telecommunications network and distributes connectivity within the building.

In-building coverage systems provide mobile signals indoors, while small cells can add capacity in congested areas such as food courts, atriums and event spaces.

The layers must work together to provide both coverage and performance inside and around the building. Passive infrastructure should be designed to accommodate more operators, new spectrum bands, Internet-of-Things devices and applications without extensive rebuilding.

Ravin says neutral-host architecture is important because it allows several mobile operators to use the same building infrastructure, reducing duplication.

“Instead of each mobile operator deploying separate indoor infrastructure, they can share common passive infrastructure such as fibre, antennas, cable pathways and equipment rooms while continuing to operate their own radio equipment and licensed spectrum,” he says.

Radio planning must also take account of differences in mall design, construction materials, shop layouts and crowd sizes, all of which can affect signal propagation.

Large crowds present a particular challenge because people and movement can alter how radio signals travel. A design that performs well during quieter periods may therefore require additional capacity in zones where visitors congregate.

EdgePoint uses radio-frequency modelling and site surveys to determine where antennas and small cells should be placed to improve coverage and limit interference.

Network demand in malls can vary sharply by time of day and rise during weekends, festive periods and major events. Backhaul and fibre networks must therefore have sufficient capacity and alternative routes to maintain service when traffic surges or a connection fails.

“As connectivity demand continues to grow, particularly in large retail malls, the backhaul and fibre network must be designed with both resilience and scalability in mind. The objective is to maintain reliable service even during equipment failures, fibre cuts or sudden spikes in traffic,” says Ravin.

Multiple fibre routes and connections to different carriers can provide alternative paths if a link is disrupted, while microwave links can serve as an additional back-up. Continuous monitoring can also help operators direct bandwidth to areas where demand is highest.

“During weekends, festive periods or major events, network resources can be directed to high-traffic areas, while critical services such as digital payments, security systems and operational communications are prioritised to maintain reliable performance,” explains Ravin.

For new developments, EdgePoint engages developers on their planned layouts, expected visitor numbers, tenant mix and the use of different areas. Existing malls may require upgrades that minimise disruption to tenants and shoppers while accommodating additional mobile operators and new spectrum bands.

Starting early also allows connectivity requirements to be coordinated with the wider building design. Retrofitting fibre routes or equipment rooms after construction can be more complex, particularly in operating malls where access, safety and business continuity must be considered.

AI could add another layer of demand by helping mall operators manage air-conditioning, crowd flows and security, while network operators could use it to forecast traffic and allocate bandwidth.

Ravin says these applications depend on reliable, high-capacity coverage throughout a building rather than isolated improvements in selected areas.

“Together, these capabilities create a resilient, scalable and intelligent connectivity infrastructure that can support growing digital demands and future 5G standalone applications,” says Ravin.

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