Home
Resource Center
In today’s digital age, staying connected via mobile devices is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity—whether you’re running a business, managing a manufacturing or healthcare facility, or simply trying to stay in touch with loved ones.
But that can be challenging. Users rely on traditional cell towers for mobile reception, but these have limitations that may result in poor signal quality. A building’s physical structure and surroundings may cause problems as well.
Whatever the cause of unsatisfactory reception, there’s a growing realization that while cellular carriers are investing in the infrastructure to improve coverage, they aren’t investing in improving signal quality. That responsibility falls on building owners and managers—and their tenants—to install DAS technology to ensure quality cellular connectivity.
Why Advanced On-Premises Cellular Connectivity Matters in the Long Run
The most obvious advantage of on-premises cellular solutions is the ability to provide consistently reliable indoor coverage—especially in large buildings or facilities where outdoor signals may not penetrate effectively. But advanced on-premises cellular connectivity means a lot more than this.
It means the ability to transform your business and fuel innovation—to make the most of the exciting capabilities of 5G (and future generations of technology) to work smarter and more efficiently. It means being able to access and act on data faster, incorporate new IoT devices into production processes, make rich experiences like video conferencing and VR available in more parts of your organization, and much more.
Here are some of the specific benefits of reliable on-premises connectivity:
- Enhanced Data Speeds: With on-premises cellular connectivity, users can enjoy faster data speeds and reduced latency. This is essential for applications such as video conferencing, streaming, and cloud-based services, where a stable and high-speed connection is essential.
- Greater Reliability: On-premises cellular connectivity offers a more reliable connection than WiFi. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on mobile communication for operations and customer service. Retail stores, for example, depend on mobile to enhance in-store experiences. Customers have come to expect seamless mobile payments and a fast, reliable connection for product information and reviews.
In healthcare, reliable connectivity can literally mean the difference between life and death. Hospitals and clinics rely on constant connectivity for electronic health records, telemedicine, and medical device monitoring. On-premises solutions ensure that vital medical data is always accessible.
- Customization and Control: Organizations can tailor an on-premises solution to meet their specific needs, ensuring that critical areas have optimal coverage and capacity. Hotels and resorts, for example, want to ensure high-speed internet access in rooms, public areas, and conference facilities—to improve the overall guest experience and boost customer satisfaction.
Educational institutions need to provide students, faculty and staff with reliable internet access for online learning, research, and administrative tasks. - Security: On-premises cellular networks can offer enhanced security features, making them an attractive option for organizations like financial institutions and healthcare organizations that handle sensitive data. By keeping data traffic within their network, they can reduce the risk of data breaches.
- Scalability: On-premises solutions are often scalable, allowing businesses to expand their cellular coverage as needed. Manufacturing facilities, for example, need to support real-time monitoring and automation to enable more efficient operations and reduce downtime.
- Disaster Recovery: If traditional networks go down due to natural disasters or other disruptions or emergencies, an on-premises solution can help maintain communication.
The Challenges Moving Forward
An on-premises cellular connectivity solution is a significant investment—probably not an expense you budgeted for upfront (and harder to justify to your finance people). That said, for most organizations the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expenses.
Setting up and configuring an on-premises cellular solution can be complex, especially for those who are not well-versed in telecommunications. While most IT leaders aren’t that familiar with the ins and outs of cellular technology, they’re often the ones responsible for implementation. Professional installation and ongoing monitoring are generally needed to ensure optimal performance.
Finally, there are the logistical challenges. For example, in densely populated areas the radio spectrum can become crowded, leading to interference and reduced performance. Every location has its own set of issues that need to be addressed to manage interference and optimize signal quality. And every building and campus has its own set of issues that need to be addressed.
Despite some upfront challenges, for most organizations the long-term benefits of ensuring on-premises cellular connectivity bring exciting potential for business transformation. And that far outweighs the initial investment in time and money. Contact WilsonPro to explore the possibilities of unleashing advanced connectivity in your organization.