Shared Access and MERLIN Properties deliver Spain’s first 5G Neutral Host DAS in a commercial office building

Shared Access, a leading provider of in-building mobile connectivity solutions, has completed the installation of Spain’s first 5G neutral host Distributed Antenna System (DAS) in a commercial office building, in partnership with MERLIN Properties, one of Europe’s foremost real estate companies.

The landmark project, located at the newly refurbished Ruiz Picasso 11 in Madrid – widely regarded as Spain’s premier office address – provides state-of-the-art mobile coverage for all three major Spanish network operators: MasOrange, Telefónica and Vodafone.

Ruiz Picasso 11 is home to the European headquarters of global leaders including IBM, Globant and WTW, as well as one of Merlin’s flagship LOOM coworking spaces. With high-performance building materials posing challenges for mobile signal penetration, Shared Access’ DAS ensures robust indoor coverage and capacity, supporting tenants’ productivity and wellbeing.

This milestone project showcases Shared Access’ innovative approach to network deployment in Spain: its successful introduction of the BTS Hotel model. Already proven in the UK and Ireland, the BTS Hotel acts as a centralised connectivity hub, delivering lower costs, faster installation and improved energy efficiency for landlords and mobile operators.

MERLIN Properties, renowned for pioneering technology integration across its assets, is championing this model as part of its commitment to raising the bar for office buildings across Spain and Portugal. Following the success at Ruiz Picasso 11, Shared Access is already delivering connectivity to a second flagship building, Castellana 85, via the same BTS Hotel.

“We’re proud to be raising the bar for in-building mobile connectivity in Spain with our first project in Madrid” said Sam Jackman, Chief Development Officer, Shared Access. “Ruiz Picasso 11 now sets a new benchmark for premium offices with Spain’s first 5G neutral host system in a commercial building – and our BTS Hotel model means this is just the beginning. Together with visionary partners like MERLIN Properties, we’re not just solving today’s coverage challenges – we’re creating the digital foundation for the workplaces of tomorrow.”

“Shared Access has helped us solve a problem that is going to be a growing problem with mass data usage. This system ensures full mobile coverage of all operators in any corner of the building, which clearly improves the user experience. In addition, their BTS Hotel model fits our vision: a shared, efficient and scalable network that serves multiple offices and lays the foundation for the future of our headquarters,” said Álvaro Ontañón, Chief Technology Officer at MERLIN Properties.

This milestone further cements Shared Access’ position as the trusted partner for in-building mobile connectivity across the UK, Ireland and Spain and paves the way to roll out this proven, scalable model in additional European markets.