Case Study - Lisbon Metro
Digital Transformation of the Lisbon Metro
Delivered by SOLiD in partnership with with Netceed & ESB Sistemas
Digital Transformation of the Lisbon Metro
In a strategic partnership with Netceed in Portugal and ESB Sistemas, SOLiD has delivered a major technological upgrade to the Lisbon Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa). The project established full 5G coverage across the entire metro network by combining SOLiD's innovative DAS technology, Netceed's local expertise paired with integrated supply chain solutions, and ESB Sistemas' engineering and deployment expertise. Now, passengers can enjoy seamless, high-speed connectivity throughout their journey.
The Challenge: Unifying Legacy & Next-Generation Tech
Modernising telecommunications within a sprawling underground rail network is a complex undertaking. The Lisbon Metro project required a solution that could handle the high-density traffic of four major operators across all four metro lines.
The primary engineering challenge lay in integration. The system needed to support legacy frequency bands while simultaneously introducing 4x4 MIMO 5G capacity, all within a single, streamlined headend.
The Solution: The Power of nGENESIS
To overcome these technical hurdles, ESB Sistemas utilised the SOLiD nGENESIS platform. This choice was pivotal in managing the complexity of the multi-operator environment.
The deployment highlights include:
● Advanced 5G Capacity: 4x4 MIMO 5G coverage at stations and platforms, utilising low- power remote units with integrated antennas for a discrete yet powerful footprint.
● Legacy Band Support: Robust 2x2 MIMO support for legacy bands using high-power equipment, ensuring no passenger is left behind regardless of their device.
● Streamlined Infrastructure: A combination of SOLiD's active DAS technology, ESB Sistemas' passive infrastructure expertise, and Netceed's supply chain and project support created a resilient, end-to-end network delivered through close local collaboration.
Perspectives from the Project
“ For us, integrating legacy bands together with 5G bands in the same headend was a real challenge. We achieved this successfully thanks to the new SOLiD nGENESIS platform. ESB has supplied equipment to provide coverage across all four Lisbon Metro lines for four major operators.”
- Alejandro Fuster, Director of Engineering and Projects at ESB
The Impact: A Superior User Experience
The upgrade represents a significant leap forward for Lisbon’s infrastructure. Operators have noted the ease of commissioning and the robustness of the equipment, but the most measurable impact is felt by the thousands of daily users.
The project also demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between technology providers, engineering specialists and supply chain solutions partners. SOLiD, Netceed, and ESB Sistemas provided a future-ready connectivity solution and maintained uninterrupted metro operations throughout the deployment.
Whether for business travellers accessing remote servers with lower latency or commuters enjoying high-definition streaming, the network provides a digital experience that matches the speed of the city above ground.
“We appreciate the trust of our customers and all parties involved in such a complex project with international relevance. Without a doubt, for ESB, this is yet another example of the great team we have and what we are capable of offering. ”
- Alfonso Aguiriano, CEO at ESB
“Successful infrastructure projects are built on trusted partnerships. We are proud to have contributed our local expertise and worked alongside SOLiD and ESB Sistemas to deliver this important upgrade for the Lisbon Metro."
- Nuno Alves, Head of Netceed in Portugal
“Projects like the Lisbon Metro show that the future of connectivity is built through collaboration. By combining SOLiD's advanced DAS technology with the expertise of Netceed and ESB Sistemas, we've delivered a resilient, future-ready network that supports operators today while creating a better connected experience for every passenger.”
- Steven Gallagher, Managing Director, SOLiD EMEA
