Karlovarskydenik.cz published an article about about problems with mobile phone reception at the Varyáda shopping centre.:
Modern architecture has its pitfalls. The metal structure of the refurbished Varyáda in Karlovy Vary has significantly reduced mobile signal coverage in the shopping centre’s arcades. Vodafone has already resolved the issue by installing a special system, which it has also offered to its competitors. The decision on whether O2 and T-Mobile will connect to the existing infrastructure now rests with the operators themselves.
The refurbishment of the Varyády shopping centre in Karlovy Vary has led to unexpected complications in today’s mobile world. The technical and structural characteristics of the building – in particular the extensive metal elements of the roof structure – have resulted in inadequate mobile signal coverage. As a result, there was insufficient coverage in some parts of the shopping centre. Varyáda’s management is working hard to resolve the issue, and thanks to one mobile network operator, the problem has already been partially resolved. The weakest signal was mainly in the arcades, where customers had problems not only with making phone calls but also with using the internet.
Poor signal should soon be a thing of the past
“Poor mobile signal in some parts of the Varyáda shopping centre should soon be a thing of the past. Varyáda, in collaboration with Vodafone, has completed an extensive project to improve the building’s internal coverage, which resolves the long-standing complications caused by the building’s structure. Vodafone customers can already use the services without restriction; discussions are now underway regarding the integration of the O2 and T-Mobile networks,” says Martin Malý, Director of Marketing and Communications at EPG Group, which owns Varyáda.
Special technology for mobile network operators
“We have been aware of the issue for some time, and we set about addressing it straight away. Around a year ago, we began discussions with mobile network operators about the possibility of developing technology that would ensure high-quality coverage throughout the building. We are pleased to have finalised our collaboration with Vodafone, whose customers can now make calls and use mobile internet in the centre without any restrictions,” continues the marketing director.
Varyáda has thus already held successful talks with Vodafone. Furthermore, Vodafone has offered the remaining two operators, O2 and T-Mobile, the opportunity to connect to the system that has been set up. “We are currently conducting commercial and technical discussions regarding their involvement. The decision on whether to utilise the infrastructure that has been put in place now rests with the individual operators. We have done our utmost to ensure that the technical solution is ready for all mobile networks. We believe that the other operators will also join the project and that high-quality coverage will be available to all visitors without exception in the future,” adds Director Malý. The improvement in mobile coverage is part of OC Varyáda’s ongoing investments in enhancing service quality and customer comfort.
The changes are not yet over
Varyáda completed its refurbishment a year ago. However, the changes are still not over. The car park is now fully complete, but the centre also plans to redevelop the area in front of the shopping centre. Changes are also still taking place regarding the occupancy of the units. The sports brand Intersport has left Varyáda and will soon be replaced by New Yorker, which is returning here after a break of several months.
Read the full article at Karlovarskydenik.cz