Resource Center

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“Smartphones are quickly replacing desktops and laptops as the devices of choice at home and in the workplace. People stopped using their landlines long ago, and now want to use their mobile devices for more than just voice and text. They want to use them for just about everything from email and ecommerce to online research and social media exchanges. And they expect their web experiences on their mobile devices to be just as good as what they’re used to from a wired connection.” 
 
Jeff Gudewicz, Chief Product Officer, Wilson Electronics 

Add to this the increasing demand among employees for hybrid and remote options, and it’s not surprising so many companies are adopting BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies. According to a recent Aberdeen survey, 30% of employees now have a smartphone that is just used for work. Another recent study found that 83% of companies now have some BYOD models in place.  
 
Transitioning to BYOD certainly has its business advantages. Companies reduce costs by not having to pay for new devices, commercial software licensing, and hardware. Employees maintain productivity levels due to familiarity with their own devices and have greater opportunities for mobility and flexibility—which boosts morale. 

Still, it’s important for IT and facilities leaders to understand the issues and challenges involved with implementing BYOD policies, especially since they may not have a full understanding of cellular technology and how indoor infrastructure affects it. 

The Realities of Implementing BYOD 

In BYOD organizations, users often face certain hurdles if their personal devices are unable to maintain a steady connection: 

• Inconsistent coverage: Users report fluctuating signals, which can cause dropped calls or unstable connections, especially in critical parts of the facility or during important calls or interactions. 
• WiFi access hassles: Many users are frustrated by the login processes or frequent prompts to reconnect to WiFi networks, especially in facilities where cellular signal is weak. 
• VoIP call quality: In facilities where landlines are absent and VoIP is the primary mode of communication, users often complain about compromised call quality attributable to connectivity issues. 
• Delayed or limited data access: Employees relying on cloud-based applications or real-time data report lags or challenges accessing necessary data due to slow cellular data speeds. 
• Missed calls and messages: Users are concerned about missing out on essential notifications, calls, emails, or messages because of intermittent cellular connectivity. 
• Decreased productivity: Regular interruptions or the need to move outside or into an area with better reception often breaks the workflow, leading to frustration and reduced efficiency. 
• Zones of no connectivity: Employees and visitors express dissatisfaction with certain areas or “dead zones” within a facility where cellular connectivity drops or is virtually non-existent. 
• Different MNOs and cell signal quality: Bringing your own device also means bringing your own mobile network operator (MNO) and subscription plan. Different MNOs or carriers will have different signal quality in different locations due to variances in coverage. This means you need to consider not only AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, but all MNOs including Dish Wireless, UScellular, and others. 
• Brand and facility perception: Both internal and external stakeholders might raise concerns about how persistent connectivity issues reflect on a company’s or facility’s image, especially if smooth digital communication is expected or promised.  
• Application performance Issues: Employees and guests often complain that certain mobile apps underperform or fail to function properly due to weak cellular connectivity. This can be particularly irksome for the organizations that develop these mobile apps and services.  

The Stakes Are High 

When employees use BYOD devices to perform important work functions, the above issues can lead to significant downtime and seriously diminish an organization’s productivity. Poor cellular connectivity not only impacts day-to-day communication among team members, but can also potentially compromise client relations, product demonstrations, and partner collaborations. Moreover, it’s critical for companies that are in the business of offering seamless digital solutions, like SaaS providers, for example, to maintain a work environment that reflects their commitment to quality and the latest tech. 

BYOD is here to stay, and fortunately, so is the technology to help organizations make the most of it. It’s imperative for your business to ensure mobile connectivity within your office or building is not only reliable and robust, but also scalable, adaptable, and future-ready. WilsonPro offers affordable and practical solutions to achieve this through cellular repeater systems and hybrid and active DAS (distributed antenna systems). Your best solution will depend on your use cases, along with the size of the interior space, building materials, location. WilsonPro ensures your solution is configured to meet the needs of your specific organization. Contact us to discuss your current and future needs.