Barriers to overcome for indoor wireless networks

A new report suggests that there are a number of barriers that prevent the installation of an indoor wireless network, despite the value it can add to commercial premises and the high level of mobile devices and traffic within these buildings.

The second instalment of a new global study, commissioned by global network infrastructure leader CommScope and carried out by Coleman Parkes, surveyed the professionals who design and manage commercial buildings — including building and facilities managers, real estate managers and architects — to explore this untapped business opportunity and consumer need.

The study said there are an estimated two billion smartphone users globally, with an approximately 80% of mobile traffic originating or terminating within a building, and only an estimated 2% of commercial buildings that have dedicated technology to ensure strong and reliable mobile coverage indoors.

Dr Ispran Kandasamy, global leader, Building Solutions at CommScope, believes building professionals should take greater responsibility.

“People are obsessed with their mobile phones and see indoor wireless coverage as important as having access to water and electricity,” said Kandasamy.

“Only by taking the lead will building owners be able to provide much needed connectivity in their properties.”

Survey respondents asserted that indoor wireless coverage could increase a property’s value by 28% on average, meaning that a $2.5 million office building could be worth $700,000 more with an indoor mobile system.

Respondents also cited benefits for the enterprise tenant, including an increase in workforce productivity (77%) or the possible recruitment of more talented individuals (46%). Two-thirds of respondents also rated indoor wireless connectivity as ‘essential’ for employees.

However, providing mobile coverage to users within larger and more complex buildings requires investment in technology, and the top three roadblocks that respondents said prevented the installation of indoor wireless networks included: the cost of the network (35%); the complexity of the technology (19%); and the lack of skilled workers to manage it (11%).

Kandasamy said that while there are clear concerns around the cost and complexity of the technology, building owners should understand that ignoring this issue could result in more costly work in the future. He believes that engaging with architects, facilities managers and enterprises at an early stage will ultimately save money, as well as provide an enhanced user experience.

This is the second instalment of CommScope’s research into the building industry’s attitudes towards the provision of indoor mobile coverage. CommScope will launch a comprehensive report with an analysis of the findings and recommendations to the industry on 7 March 2016.

To pre-register for an early copy of the report and download the Executive Summary, go to www.commscope.com/IBW-Survey-Report-2016.