Wireless Strategies for Today’s Real-Estate Developer

Mobile connectivity is increasingly the most sought after amenity in commercial real estate today. Developers within the same market typically end up competing for tenants with a lineup of requisite “perks” and increasingly extravagant amenities devoting valuable square footage to things like communal Zen Rooms and open concept spaces. Savvy landlords know, however, that flashy wellness areas are not what tenants value most.

Unfortunately, carrier funding for in-building infrastructure has decreased to a large degree transferring the capital burden to developers who must shell out significant investment to ensure their buildings avoid the dreaded “dead zones”. The typical business professional juggles multiple internet-connected devices. Lack of reliable service is unacceptable. If that’s not scary enough, green signal inhibiting construction materials along with 5G’s inability to penetrate exterior walls could potentially render buildings completely devoid of signal. By comparison, buildings that have invested in a DAS system would allow use of a litany of mobiles devices without restriction.

Looking to stay ahead in the market? Here’s a list of strategies active developers should consider in order to guarantee in-door cellular service is available:

Cheap, off-the-shelf consumer signal boosters won’t do the trick when 5G wireless service debuts next year. Large properties require commercial-grade Distributed Antenna System (DAS) networks to guarantee the availability of cellular signals inside the structure no matter the wireless service (4G, LTE, or 5G) or any green material construction.
Start planning DAS build out as early as possible. Too often, developers that hoped to outfit their properties with DAS networks fail to secure the capital needed and end up dropping the project. Since properties with operational DAS networks garner superior valuations, investors are often keen to support a project as long as network installation is part of the initial pitch and not proposed retroactively.
Work with a network partner that has in-roads with major wireless carriers. A developer could invest millions for in-building wireless infrastructure, but if carriers don’t know where to “find” the technology, it will sit there unused. Without an established rapport, acquiring delivery of service by each of the top four carriers is extremely difficult.

Few buildings—less than 5% have implemented DAS, meaning, most are at risk of signal degradation or complete loss altogether. Unfortunately, once construction begins, DAS initiatives are often one of the first amenities scratched in order to keep projects within budget.

A strategic partner like Intenna Systems offers financing options to make the capital outlay digestible. , Intenna has long-standing, deep relationships with all major carriers guaranteeing service delivery, and ensuring DAS investments actually improve the tenant experience not only today but also as networks evolve in the future.

Interested in learning more about Intenna Systems and how we help developers