4G Coverage Audit for Elevator Alarms
290,000 French elevators must migrate from 2G/3G to 4G. Before installing a 4G module, verify the signal actually works in the elevator shaft, basement, and machine room.
elevators to migrate in France
average cost per elevator
decree effective date
mandatory verification cycle
Why an audit is essential
Elevator companies install 4G modules. But nobody verifies that the 4G signal is usable where it matters: in the elevator shaft and basement.
4G doesn't penetrate like 2G
2G worked at -110 dBm in basements. 4G on higher bands (1800/2600 MHz) loses 15-30 dB more through reinforced concrete. A 4G module installed without verification may never work.
Modern buildings = Faraday cages
Energy-efficient buildings with Low-E glass attenuate signals by 30-50 dB. Reinforced concrete elevator shafts add another 20 dB of loss.
VoLTE demands more than 2G
EN 81-28 compliance requires a reliable voice call. VoLTE needs RSRP > -105 dBm and SINR > 3 dB, far more demanding thresholds than legacy 2G.
Risk of double investment
Without a prior audit, property owners pay β¬800-1,500 for a 4G module that can't connect. Then a repeater or DAS on top. The audit prevents this waste.
Our audit methodology
A complete field audit in 4 steps, performed with the HiCellTek measurement suite on an instrumented Android smartphone.
Multi-operator measurement
HiCellTek measures 4G signal from every operator in the elevator shaft, machine room, and basement.
VoLTE & latency test
Verification that the VoLTE emergency call actually completes from inside the cabin. Voice MOS and network latency measurement.
Indoor mapping
Walk test with pin-drop markers on the building floor plan. Precise identification of areas without usable coverage.
Report & recommendations
Actionable deliverable: best operator, repeater/DAS needed or not, and documented proof for property management and insurance.
Coverage thresholds for 4G elevator alarms
For a VoLTE emergency call to reliably complete from an elevator cabin:
| KPI | Minimum | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSRP | > -110 dBm | > -100 dBm | Received signal power |
| SINR | > 0 dB | > 5 dB | Signal vs noise quality |
| RSRQ | > -15 dB | > -10 dB | Radio resource quality |
| VoLTE MOS | > 3.0 | > 3.5 | Perceived voice quality |
| Latency | < 150 ms | < 80 ms | Network response time |
Who is this for?
Property managers
Documented proof for board meetings, informed operator choice, cost avoidance. The report justifies the expense and protects the manager.
Elevator companies
Validate coverage BEFORE installing the 4G module. Zero callbacks, zero rework. Commercial differentiation.
Social housing operators
Mass audits across thousands of elevators. Centralized data, site prioritization, budget optimization.
Inspection bodies
Reference tool for telecom verification during regulatory elevator inspections. Traceable and legally defensible data.
Alarm system integrators
Systematic pre-installation audit for your clients. Co-branded report option: "Coverage validated by HiCellTek".
Mobile operators
Identify buildings where your 4G network doesn't cover elevators. Prioritize indoor investments (small cells, repeaters).
2G shutdown timeline in France
The urgency is real. Shutdown begins in the coming weeks.
| Operator | 2G Shutdown | 3G Shutdown |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | March 31, 2026 (South-West), then nationwide late Sept. 2026 | Late 2028 |
| SFR | November 15, 2026 | Late 2028 |
| Bouygues Telecom | Late 2026 | Late 2029 |
| Free Mobile | Not announced | Not announced |
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't 4G coverage guaranteed in elevators? +
2G used low frequencies (900 MHz) with excellent indoor penetration. 4G often uses higher bands (1800, 2100, 2600 MHz) that lose 15-30 dB more through concrete. Reinforced concrete elevator shafts and basements are the most critical zones.
How much does a HiCellTek audit cost per elevator? +
A single audit costs between β¬150 and β¬300 per elevator depending on site complexity. Volume discounts are available for 5+ elevators. Contact us for a custom quote.
How long does an audit take? +
A complete audit (multi-operator measurement, VoLTE test, mapping) takes 30-60 minutes per elevator. The report is delivered within 48 hours.
Does the audit replace the 4G module installation? +
No. The audit verifies that 4G signal is sufficient BEFORE installation. It recommends the best operator and identifies if a repeater or DAS is needed. It's an essential complement, not a substitute.
What happens if 4G coverage is insufficient? +
The report precisely identifies problem areas and recommends solutions: passive repeater, femtocell, or DAS depending on building size. This enables accurate budgeting from the start.
Is the audit compliant with the French decree requirements? +
The HiCellTek audit provides the coverage data that the decree requires to verify. The report constitutes documented, legally defensible proof in case of dispute or inspection.
Related resources
Secure your elevator migration
Free pilot audit on your first site. Results within 48 hours.