Why Good Cellular Connectivity Matters in the Workplace | Neutral Path Networks
In the age of technology, good cellular connectivity is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. That’s why more and more businesses are turning to companies like NPN to help improve their cellular coverage. Cellular connectivity affects everything from employee productivity to tenant satisfaction. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why good cellular connectivity matters in the workplace.
Why cell coverage sucks in most offices
Have you ever noticed that cellular reception in most offices is anything but ideal? There are a few key reasons for this. One key reason is construction methods. In older buildings construccion techniques used concrete reinforced with steel which is great for structural rigidity, but blocks cellular signals from spreading throughout the building. In more modern buildings architects ans engineers uses high performance windows, known as Low-E glass. This specific type of glass is great for reducing energy usage but at the cost of blocking Radio Frequency (RF) signals altogether. As if that weren’t enough there is another factor that impacts cellular connectivity in buildings. The positioning of cell towers. Cell towers are designed for people on the street, which means that they are located on light poles and low rooftops with the antennas pointing down at the street. This leaves many buildings with ok cellular reception in the lobby but poor coverage everywhere else.
Why building owners and property managers are increasingly having to make the investment and what it means for their business.
Where have all the free cellular systems gone? Unlike the last decade or so the wireless carriers have largely stopped paying for in-building coverage solutions. This is because they are completely focused on building out their outdoor 5G coverage and upgrading their current network infrastructure to meet the ever growing demands for bandwidth. Like many business they have a finite amount of capital to spend on network improvements/expansion and covering office buildings doesnt give them the ROI they are looking for. This has left owners to invest. Is there a benefit? Absolutley! According to several studies mobile connectivity in the office is critical to almost every business. Building owners need to keep pace with the demands of an increasingly mobile workforce while showing/incrreasing the value of their buildings in an increasingly competitive leasing market.
Solving your coverage issues, while investing in future technologies.
Solving cellular coverage issues has traditionally been complicated and expensive. NPN aims to change that by providing simple cellular solutions that connect to a future ready infrastructure and can be easily deployed through a subscription (Coverage as a Service model); or CapEx with ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
Ultimately, cellular connectivity is becoming critical to attracting workers back to the office and tenants into new spaces. With the wireless carriers focus elsewhere it falls to building owners to make the investment. NPN has the experience to deliver state of the art solutions and the funding flexibility that enables everyone to improve their coverage.
- Published in Connectivity
Connectivity you never have to worry about: How Managed Services Can Help Improve Mobile Connectivity
Connectivity is more important than ever for buildings and enterprises of all sizes. However, implementing these solutions can be a big challenge for many organizations due to the complexity and high costs. Managed service providers can help ease both challenges by providing mobile connectivity with no upfront capital commitments and no need for internal resources to monitor and maintain the network. With a managed service, you can improve your mobile coverage without worrying about details!
Understand connectivity as a service
Connectivity-as-a-service is, at its core, a subscription service. This subscription service includes everything an organization needs for excellent connectivity, including all the cabling, antennas, installation, as well as ongoing maintenance, and monitoring. Additional flexibility in the connectivity as a service model comes from the subscribers’ ability to upgrade and/or move their networks wherever they go.
Cost Benefits of Managed Services
One of the most significant advantages of using a connectivity-as-a-service approach is removing upfront costs. Many enterprises and building owners, who are in the market for cellular solutions, can get overwhelmed by the high costs of designing and deploying a network. Additional cost savings come from taking advantage of the service provider’s scale. Leveraging an MSPs buying power allows for a lower cost of materials. Because technicians are responsible for several projects, the ongoing costs are much lower than having internal personnel or a dedicated team.
Benefits Beyond Cost Saving
In addition to saving money on upfront costs and staffing expenses, working with coverage-as-a-service providers has several other benefits. Removing the risk of obsolescence is one of them. Many organizations are cautious of significant capital investments for technology since there is a finite lifespan that isn’t set in stone. Connectivity-as-a-service platforms enable organizations to upgrade and change their services as technology evolves. Another often overlooked benefit is having a partner for the life of the system. Organizations benefit from having an expert during the planning phase, but having an expert for the life of the solution helps guide decision-making and prepare leadership for the future. Finally, there are significant security benefits to using a connectivity-as-a-service provider. Having responsibility over many different networks means providers need to have robust cybersecurity platforms and plans to deal with threats and intrusions.
In today’s digital landscape, having reliable mobile connectivity is essential for businesses and organizations, large and small alike. Implementing a robust cellular solution can be complex and expensive if done alone, but connectivity-as-a-service providers offer an easy solution that eliminates the upfront cost and the headache of ongoing operation; while providing additional benefits like cost savings and expert advice.
- Published in Connectivity
How Great Connectivity Helps Enterprise Business Stay Competitive
Connecting with customers and partners is crucial to success in today’s business world. An enterprise that can’t keep up with the latest connectivity trends risks falling behind the competition. Fortunately, several options are available to help enterprises stay competitive, from small businesses to large organizations. CTOs and IT directors should explore how they can take advantage of the latest connectivity trends to keep their companies ahead of the curve.
The connectivity challenges enterprise businesses face
Enterprise businesses often face some significant connectivity challenges that make smooth and efficient operations challenging. Poor cellular coverage has become a critical issue, with low data speeds and spotty signal making it challenging to stay connected to customers, clients, and partners while in the office. Broadband challenges for many businesses come from the lack of options for high-speed internet providers. And, for smaller and medium size organizations, the high costs of managed Wi-Fi solutions mean cybersecurity often takes a backseat. Not only do these challenges affect a company’s ability to succeed, but they also affect its ability to bring employees back into the office.
Excellent connectivity can help businesses stay competitive
In the digital age, connectivity has become essential for businesses to stay productive. 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and CBRS (Private LTE) are providing significant boosts in speed and reliability for a wide range of applications enabling a remote workforce and organizational tools that drive growth. 4G and 5G coverage offered by the wireless mobile providers help companies stay connected to CRMs and Cloud Storage no matter where an employee is. Similarly, CBRS (Private LTE) networks have been deployed to complement traditional cellular networks in places where Wi-Fi struggles. Additional future functionality of CBRS will enable compatibility with cellular networks and a solid roadmap to 5G. Better wired and wireless connectivity have the added benefit of improved security, reducing the cybersecurity risk across the entire organization.
Excellent connectivity helps businesses achieve better productivity and efficiency
As the digital world grows, so does the importance of great connectivity. Improved technology means organizations can be more productive, efficient, and accessible for employees and customers. Connectivity improves logistics, allowing for better inventory management and faster project completion. Excellent connectivity can make for a smoother customer service experience. Instant access to current stock levels and the ability to have remote support teams across the country help businesses keep a personal touch with their customers. Productivity dramatically improves in the office and out with a solid connectivity network. Easily support collaboration tools, cloud services, offsite computing, and automated work order processing systems.
Easily find great connectivity solutions for any organizations
Achieving great connectivity for your company might seem challenging, but it can be easy with the right partners. Putting the proper infrastructure in place starts with finding a trusted technology partner with the resources and experience to drive projects from the concept stage to completion. The next step to a successful connectivity project is educating stakeholders. Understanding the technology and solutions available makes it possible to select a connectivity plan that fits best while establishing realistic goals for implementation. Once the right solutions have been selected and a plan created, the next step is understanding the budgetary considerations. As solutions become more complex, costs have increased. There are several ways for a business to pay for solutions, from Cap-Ex to Op-Ex and everything in between. Finally, consider what it will take to maintain and monitor the solution. Larger organizations can typically handle the day-to-day maintenance in-house, while smaller organizations benefit from a comprehensive service agreement through a third party.
Bringing connectivity to your organization
Enterprise businesses face many connectivity challenges but can stay competitive and productive with the right partners and solutions. By implementing the tips we’ve shared in this blog post, you can create an excellent connectivity experience across your organization.
- Published in Connectivity
The Importance of Connectivity for Building Owners and Property Managers
As a building owner or property manager, you may be wondering why you should care about connectivity. After all, a tenant with poor cellular coverage is Verizon or AT&T’s problem; right? Or, the tenant with only two options for broadband service is just unlucky to be in a market with little competition? Before the pandemic, these arguments may have worked, but with a change in how companies value office space and a shift in the commercial real estate industry at large, there are several compelling reasons why building owners and property managers should consider connectivity critical.
The three reasons why connectivity is essential for building owners and property managers:
Connectivity Builds Long-term Value Within the Property.
Hardware, software, and applications have a useful life of around 3 to 5 years, according to Forbes. Investing in a great connectivity infrastructure can help lessen the impact of rapidly evolving technology. Dark fiber is a good start, but having a fully active “open-access” fiber network allows buildings to plug-in solutions for cellular enhancement, Wi-Fi, Access Controls, security, and future hardware to power IoT and 5G.
Connectivity Helps Enable Tenants’ Businesses.
Connectivity is essential to a business’s core functions, whether that’s keeping in touch with clients, streamlining logistics, or enabling a remote workforce. Buildings that invest in high-quality connectivity solutions are helping their tenants succeed.
Connectivity Increases Types and Number of Services Available.
Today’s tenants expect more than just a space to house their business—they expect a full package of amenities that include connectivity. Buildings that invest in connectivity allow their tenants to take advantage of a virtually limitless number of services from any service provider. Not only are these services made readily available, but they are also easy to turn on. No delays or multi-day construction projects.
As a building owner or property manager, connectivity matters. Improving tenant broadband, cellular coverage, or security enables buildings to stay ahead of technology obsolescence with less cost, helps buildings support their tenants’ businesses, and increases the number of services and service providers in the property.
- Published in Connectivity
The Benefits of Educating your CRE Teams about Cellular Connectivity
Educating property managers, building owners, and brokers is an essential step in improving cellular connectivity and getting project buy-in. Beginning the connectivity improvement process with education allows decision-makers and stakeholders to understand the value and benefits of connectivity solutions, helps property managers and brokers explain the benefits and added value in their properties, and makes future decision-making about network maintenance and upgrades easier.
Educating Stakeholders and Decision Makers
The importance of connectivity in our increasingly digital world cannot be overstated. To help their tenants maximize their reach and productivity, it is essential for building owners and property managers to enable high-quality cellular and connectivity solutions. Providing these solutions can be a costly and complex undertaking; this is where education comes in.
By educating decision-makers and stakeholders about the value and benefits of connectivity, we can better show the value of the investment. And, with that better understanding of the investment, a better understanding of potential return on investment and benefits to their business.
Connectivity Education Helps Property Managers and Brokers Explain the Benefits of Connectivity to Their Teams and Clients
As the commercial real estate industry tries to adapt to changes across the world, it’s becoming increasingly important for property managers and real estate brokers to understand the impact of connectivity and how it can impact their clients.
Being able to communicate the benefits of connectivity to their teams and clients, property managers, and brokers can provide valuable distinctions between their properties and those of their competitors. In addition, these same property managers and brokers can provide guidance on how to make the most of these connectivity features. As the world becomes increasingly connected, those who are able to adapt will be well-positioned for success.
Educating Stakeholders Makes Future Decision-Making About the Network Much Easier
Connectivity networks are only going to continue to become more complex. When it comes to designing and managing these networks, it is essential to involve all stakeholders in the decision-making process. Traditionally these decisions have been delegated to consultants or IT managers with only an eye for the financial implications of network maintenance or upgrades.
With new networks being significantly more complex, the financial piece of the equation doesn’t tell the whole story. By educating all stakeholders about the basic benefits and risks of network operation and eventual improvements, it becomes much easier to make decisions that everyone can agree on. Furthermore, involving stakeholders in the decision-making process from the outset helps to build trust and confidence in the network roadmap.
Property managers and brokers are in a unique position to help their tenants understand the value of good connectivity, and through this understanding, help show the value of their properties compared to their competitors. Educating the organization and key stakeholders empowers these teams to make the best decisions about future investments in their network.
About Neutral Path Networks
NPN brings you a complete connectivity solution along with 24/7 maintenance and monitoring for a single monthly subscription. This enables you to take advantage of ultra-fast Cellular, CBRS, Wi-Fi, IoT, Broadband and Streaming, Security Access, and Core Building Systems, all in a simple managed service package.
Ready to Shop Solutions? Visit us at cellcoveragestore.com
- Published in Uncategorized
Why Does Improving Cellular Coverage Cost so Much?
Many building owners, property managers, and enterprises have looked at ways to improve their in-building cellular coverage. Almost all have left that hunt with sticker shock and wondered how improving their cellular coverage could cost so much.
With 5G quickly picking up momentum and business moving towards a mobile workforce, cellular coverage is becoming invaluable; understanding the costs that make up this critical connectivity is key to understanding that value. To help shed some light on the costs of cellular enhancement, this article will break down what buyers are paying for, what role the Wireless Operators play, and the value of CapEx and OpEx pricing models.
“Good solutions aren’t cheap, but cheap solutions aren’t necessarily bad.”
What are you paying for?
Understanding all the costs of building a cellular coverage solution can be challenging. It is important to remember that the design and implementation of each solution is highly-customized to the individual building. In other words, solutions are generally more costly because they aren’t easy to replicate. For instance, commercial offices will have different layouts for different tenants, MDU’s and Hotels may be timber construction or poured concrete, and hospitals especially vary widely in their layouts and construction materials. This variability must be considered carefully and the coverage designed to meet each building’s specific need.
Equipment
Equipment costs comprise a high percentage of a project’s total cost, generally around 40%. This high cost is due to the hardware and structured cabling being specific to the mobile industry and manufactured to very high standards.
Engineering Services
Quite a bit of engineering goes into cellular solutions. First, the FCC regulates cellular signals (unlike Wi-Fi which is open for everyone’s use), so the design needs to comply with the FCC standards. Secondly, Wireless Operators have control over the spectrum used for mobile communications, which means that designs must be “approved” by their engineering teams before being built. Poor system design can lead to issues in coverage, low data speeds, or in the worst cases, make the in-building coverage worse.
Installation
Unlike Wi-Fi networks, which use category cable (ethernet), traditional cellular solutions use ½-inch coaxial cabling connecting each antenna. This coaxial cable is highly specialized, requiring certifications, special tools, and extensive testing to install correctly.
Maintenance and Monitoring
Maintenance and monitoring is one of the most overlooked and underestimated costs when budgeting for cellular enhancement. As with any building system, proper care is critical to getting the longest life and highest performance out of the solution. Depending on the type and size of the network, maintenance costs can range from several hundred dollars a month to several thousand dollars a month.
Hidden Costs
When considering deploying a cellular solution, some costs (outside of the hardware, design, and installation) may get overlooked. These can range from small costs like replacement ceiling tiles to higher costs like extending new power receptacles or additional security escorts for overnight work. And the time considerations of coordinating the installation process with different tenants or departments.
The Wireless Operators
Improving coverage means working with one or more of the Wireless Operators. In the past, it was likely the Operator (or Operators) would pay for the solution and in some cases, even agree to pay rent. Times have changed, however, and today the Operators’ budgets are refocused on 5G and improving their outdoor networks, leaving little funding for in-building projects.
Understanding Funding Models
As enterprise-focused products have evolved, so too have the methods to fund them. In the past, an enterprise would be responsible for the entire cost of the solution upfront. While large enterprises and some building owners could afford this, it left a large group underserved. Today those in need of cellular solutions have several options ranging from 100% CapEx to 100% OpEx and everything in-between.
Like deciding whether to purchase or lease a vehicle, choosing the best way to fund a cellular solution depends on several factors. Suppose the enterprise or building intends to occupy a space for a long period of time or has an internal IT group that can maintain the cellular solution. In that case, it may make the most sense to go with a CapEx funding method. On the other hand, if a solution is highly complex or a third-party maintenance agreement is needed, it may make the most sense to go with a more OpEx-focused funding method. Regardless of which approach an organization takes, it is essential to understand all costs and clearly identify needs and goals.
Understanding the costs of designing, building, and maintaining the cellular enhancement solutions, understanding the Wireless Operators’ role, and evaluating different funding methods; is crucial to identifying the value of the cellular solution to an organization.
NPN is here to help! Our team is well versed in the design, installation, and financancial models needed for best in class cellular solutions. Connect with us to talk through your cellular project.
NPN is here to help! Our team is well versed in the design, installation, and financancial models needed for best in class cellular solutions. Connect with us to talk through your cellular project.
- Published in Connectivity
A New Era in Indoor Cellular Coverage
For decades building owners and tenants have faced challenges improving in-building cellular coverage. The options they had to choose from were limited, and none were very appealing. One option was to partner with a Wireless Operator and have them foot the bill, but it often left building owners and tenants with only a single mobile provider. Another way was to sign up with one of the large neutral host providers who would agree to build out the cellular system for free as Wireless Operators agreed to join. This approach saw building owners stuck in multi-year contracts with no solution in sight and no recourse. Finally, building owners
and tenants could install a solution on their own. This option stuck owners and tenants with a high-cost, highly-complex solution that was hard to operate and upgrade.
The new age of in-building connectivity aims to solve the need for quality coverage without traditional solutions’ high cost, high complexity, and long wait times.
In-Building Solutions
The Traditional Solutions
Traditionally cellular coverage in-building has been achieved using a DAS (Distributed Antenna System). DAS relies on a passive network of antennas and cabling with a few active components which distribute the coverage. While this network design works well for large venues and very dense areas, it lacks the flexibility needed to meet the demands of the enterprise.
The NPN Approach
While there is still a place for DAS in large venues and projects requiring a lot of bandwidth, we focus on bringing a simple and scalable infrastructure to the enterprise. Our networks rely on a combination of fiber and CAT6e, which delivers LTE and 5G speeds while being capable of meeting the connectivity needs of the building for decades to come.
Coverage Where you Need it
The Traditional Solution
One significant drawback to the traditional DAS is that only covering a single tenant or a small portion of a building results in a significantly higher per square foot cost when compared to installing DAS across an entire building. This cost disparity means the most practical way of installing DAS is to cover the entire property even if it’s not needed.
The NPN Approach
NPN aims to drive the cost of cellular coverage down by focusing on only the areas where coverage is needed. Whether that’s amenities areas, parking garages, or individual tenants, NPN’s approach allows for a lower cost to the overall solution. It will enable the building and tenants to select only areas that matter.
The Problem with Renovations
The Traditional Solution
Most buildings don’t remain in the same configuration for long. Between tenants moving in and out and building initiatives, floor layouts and areas where coverage is critical can change frequently. Those familiar with DAS in their property know the cost of damaging a traditional DAS can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. And once the system is damaged, coverage can be affected across many floors.
The NPN Approach
The flexibility of NPN’s network has the added benefit of being extremely easy to move, extend, and reconfigure. This flexibility allows new tenants to customize service in their space quickly and easily. It enables building owners to scale coverage anywhere in their property at a moment’s notice. And last of all, no more worrying about the high cost of potential damage during renovations.
The Upgrade Path
Traditional Solutions
Traditional DAS solutions do a great job of providing a high-performance “carrier” neutral platform. This performance, however, comes with a tradeoff. The passive cabling and antenna infrastructure that makes up the DAS is not very upgradable. Meaning, adding new frequencies or technologies to the DAS often requires a rip and replace or the installation of parallel infrastructure.
The NPN Approach
NPN focuses on creating solutions that are ready for 5G and beyond. By using fiber end to end, our networks allow the easy expansion of coverage and upgrades to technology; whether that is 5G, 6G, or something yet to be invented.
What it Costs
Traditional Solutions
Because DAS is an all-or-nothing solution, the current financial models reflect this. The typical CapEx and OpEx models for DAS are structured to provide the best value when the entire DAS is installed on Day 1. Additionally, these models get considerably more expensive as time passes since the maintenance costs grow exponentially as the system ages.
The NPN Approach
NPN’s coverage solutions have a lower total cost to own, a longer lifespan, and a significantly smaller initial investment, opening the door for several new funding models. These models can range from; shared cost models, to opt-in models, to partnership models with wireless service providers and ISPs.
- Published in Connectivity
Redefining the Network as a Service for the Enterprise
In today’s landscape providing cellular connectivity within buildings and inside large venues continues to present challenges for building owners, property managers, and even the wireless operators. Two issues inevitably arise in every discussion; how to provide the best experience for the users (whether tenants, staff, guests, or fans) and who will pay for the services. With the wireless operators becoming more selective in the projects they are willing to fund, it has left many enterprises responsible for the total cost of deploying connectivity solutions.
- Published in Connectivity
