As more organisations push digital transformation initiatives to reduce operational costs and improve employee efficiency, the importance of in-building cellular coverage cannot be overlooked. Desk phones are gradually making way for mobile devices making cellular connectivity a vital business imperative.
More South African businesses are embracing the concept of smart buildings. This sees traditional office spaces transformed into dynamic environments better suited to the requirements of a hybrid workforce. Many of these buildings adopt advanced technologies such as IoT devices and cloud-based applications to create a more intelligent workspace. The backbone of these smart technologies is access to strong and reliable cellular coverage.
IoT has become a boon for reducing operational expenses with employees rotating between office and home environments, from smart thermostats and security systems to connected lighting.
Providing consistent connectivity
However, ensuring consistent cellular coverage within buildings is still proving challenging. Architectural designs and materials used in construction can negatively impact cellular signals. For example, high-rise buildings with thick concrete walls, sprawling office campuses with multiple structures, and underground facilities present unique obstacles to maintaining strong cellular signals. From causing poor connectivity to creating cellular dead spots, the physical office environment can make delivering cellular signals complex.
Furthermore, the proliferation of electronic devices within office environments can contribute to signal interference to further degrade the quality of cellular communication. Therefore, companies must invest in solutions that can overcome these challenges and provide all employees with reliable in-building cellular coverage.
A foundation built on effective in-building cellular coverage enables organisations to improve their employee productivity and workplace efficiency. This connectivity helps provide uninterrupted access to critical digital tools and resources especially cloud-based solutions. Comprehensive internal cellular coverage delivers better communication between employees and can significantly improve collaboration. In emergencies, especially when traditional internet access goes down, cellular coverage is vital for ensuring quick and effective communication.
Delivering coverage
For its part, Nextivity has been at the forefront of providing advanced solutions to optimise in-building cellular coverage for many years. Its flagship product line, Cel-Fi, includes signal boosters that enhance cellular signals within buildings, ensuring consistent voice and data connectivity. These are designed to adapt to various building types and layouts, overcoming the unique challenges posed by different architectural designs.
Local mobile network operators MTN (36.8 million customers) and Vodacom (47.26 million customers) are long-standing clients of Nextivity. Both companies rely on Nextivity solutions to strengthen the cellular signal in remote areas as well as locations that have other cellular reception challenges.
Companies across all industry sectors therefore need to invest in comprehensive cellular coverage solutions to create productive, efficient, and innovative workplaces.
