We have come to expect wireless coverage as a given in today’s world—which makes it all the more noticeable and frustrating when you don’t have the coverage you need. If in-building wireless coverage has become a pain point for you and your facility, it’s time to consider installing an in-building coverage solution consisting of a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) or small cell system.
In-building solutions help significantly improve the wireless coverage inside facilities and on campuses. A DAS is a network of antennas placed strategically within the facility. The antennas send and receives cell signals on a carrier’s licensed frequencies (think companies like Verizon). With an in-building wireless network, voice and data connectivity are significantly improved for end users.
If connectivity issues in your facility are frustrating you, here are four undeniable signs you’re ready for a DAS.
Sign #1: Your customers or building tenants are complaining about poor connectivity
In a world where business functions and consumer needs are increasingly mobile, strong wireless coverage is more critical than ever. Whether you are running a company or you own a facility, poor wireless connectivity simply results in lost business.
As a business leader, you may start to hear more and more that customers are having connectivity issues--and that’s not something you want to be known for. If your facility is known to have these issues, it becomes less appealing in customers’ minds. People stop wanting to spend time (and money!) there. In any place that’s open to the public, a reputation for poor connectivity can be detrimental.
On the other side of the coin, as a facility owner, a lack of coverage could hold up potential new leases or cause current tenants to relocate instead of renew. Every unit that remains empty is a loss of revenue for you, and tenants are increasingly focused on connectivity when assessing a potential new space.
Hearing direct complaints from customers or tenants about poor connectivity is a sure sign that your facility is ready for an in-building wireless solution. No news is good news when it comes to wireless coverage in your facility; a DAS or small cell system will increase your wireless reliability and significantly decrease the client complaints.
Sign #2: Your personnel need better connectivity to do their jobs
Internal business apps, company-issued mobile devices, and even BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)—it’s a different business world out there than it once was. Employees aren’t just sitting at their desks using landline phones and desktop computers. More than ever, internal teams rely on strong, solid wireless coverage to do their jobs.
When poor connectivity results in frustrated employees and lost productivity, you know it’s time for a change. In-building wireless will help ensure that your business apps and team’s devices function the way they need and expect.
Sign #3: Your Wifi is underperforming
By now you may be thinking, “I have great wifi coverage. I don’t need to worry about cell coverage.” But gone are the days when a large facility can get by on wifi alone.
It’s no surprise that wifi has become such a popular business solution. The hardware is easy to obtain, straightforward to install, and is relatively inexpensive. But there are downsides to relying solely on wifi to connect your facility. For one, it can only be used when a hotspot provides access, and even then, logging on can be frustrating. For another, wifi is unregulated, and that often translates to spotty service with no guarantee it will work.
Even if your facility has good wifi coverage, the wifi can still underperform. As your business has grown, you may have needed to add additional wifi equipment in a piecemeal way. That means you’re creating an increasingly complex wifi environment while overall performance continues to be lackluster.
If you’re looking for increased functionality on a legacy wifi system, it’s time to consider installing a Distributed Antenna System. Investing in a high-performing DAS now will help future-proof your facility and save money on expensive equipment upgrades down the line.
Sign #4: You need to meet new public safety coverage requirements
In-building wireless coverage isn’t just about business operations and customer convenience. It’s also about life safety. In an emergency, first responders need access to uninhibited communication. Unless your facility has adequate coverage for communication, you could be putting lives at risk.
Public safety requirements for wireless coverage have recently been updated in many jurisdictions. Without a properly designed DAS, your facility may be vulnerable to code violations related to public safety. There are many governing bodies to consider, including local requirements, the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Electrotechnical Commission.
If you’re at all concerned that your facility’s current coverage isn’t adequate to meet public safety requirements, it’s time to consider a DAS.
No business leader or facility owner wants to compromise safety, convenience, productivity and revenue because of poor wireless connectivity. If you notice any of the four signs above in your facility, you may be ready to start the conversation around the right Distributed Antenna System.