industry insight - streamlining indoor connectivity

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

STREAMLINING INDOOR

CONNECTIVITY

Written by:

Stephanie Atkinson,

Compass Intelligence

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

This paper was written by Stephanie Atkinson on behalf of Dense

Air Networks to provide an independent overview into the changing

face of the telecoms industry as new deployment, ownership and

service models take hold.

While the ideas and principles outlined incorporate extensive research and con-

versations with experts, this paper serves only as a moment in time outlook.

For more information on this report contact Stephanie

at Compass Intelligence directly:

www.compassintelligence.com

[email protected]

Acknowledgement

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Introduction

Carriers are Not Funding In-Building Cellular

Modernization

Cellular Connectivity Should Simply be SEAMLESS

Solutions Review

Working with the Right Partner

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

Our Growing Reliance on In-Building Cellular

4.01 Signal Penetration Issues

4.02 Equipment Proximity

4.03 Accelerated Data Usage

4.04 Massive Trafc

4.05 Legacy & Latency

4.07 Secure Connectivity

4.06 Expertise & Skillset Gaps

4.08 Single Carrier

5.01 Wi-Fi

5.02 Distributed Antennae System (DAS)

5.03 Small Cell and Neutral Host Small Cell (NHSC)

Index

2.01 Example Use Case: Hospitality

2.02 Example Use Case: Commercial Real Estate

2.03 Example Use Case: Multi Dwelling

Indoor cellular connectivity challenges

cellShare™

7.0

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

1.0 Introduction

In today’s hyper-connected world, robust cellular connectivity

within buildings is not just an amenity it’s a fundamental pillar of

modern infrastructure, vital for enhancing productivity, safety, and

tenant and guest satisfaction.

Cellular connectivity is increasingly becoming a must-have for venue owners,

property managers, tenants and guests, reecting our modern reliance upon

a seamless voice and data experience. Properties spanning ofces, hospitals,

hotels, multi-family residences and retail stores now must ensure quality wireless

across their premises to remain competitive.

In nearly every industry, cellular is used for connecting assets and operations,

people and devices. We increasingly require a working cellular connection all

the time, wherever we are. The requisite cellular experience is seamless outdoors

and indoors, regardless of the building, the elevation (top of a high rise or deep

underground in a parking garage), or population density. Poor user experiences

such as dropped calls or failed data sessions result in increased user frustration,

and in some cases, lost revenue for venues spanning hotels, hospitals, commercial

real estate and retail stores.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

While cellular carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are focused on

building outdoor 5G networks, indoor cellular connectivity solutions have

not kept up with the growing demand; this is particularly important as 80%

of cellular data is generated indoors.

Deploying carrier networks within buildings has historically posed

difculties, as cellular signals must navigate through frequency deecting

walls to reach a high concentration of users and devices. Structures that

commonly present challenges for indoor connectivity include multi-story

ofce or residential buildings, underground facilities like parking garages,

and venues featuring thick concrete walls or multi-layered glass.

While the telecom industry has been faced with indoor connectivity issues

for several decades, the problem is dramatically worsening. Modern

sustainable building materials, such as low-E glass with metallic coatings,

deect signals preventing the higher frequencies used in 5G to penetrate

effectively indoors. As 5G rolls out and we use more sustainable building

materials while consuming more data, indoor connectivity will suffer.

With businesses increasingly depending on cellular solutions and the

demand for specialized services like private networks growing, key

questions emerge: What solutions and partners are available to wireless

carriers and venue owners to help them enhance coverage, increase

capacity, and nance networks?

This paper explores the barriers to achieving ubiquitous multi-carrier

inbuilding connectivity and examines the various solutions, including

traditional approaches such as Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and

Wi-Fi, as well as disruptive neutral host small cell (NHSC) technologies. This

paper will analyze how the features and benets of these solutions vary in

providing a seamless cellular experience and the various implementation

partners available to a building owner.

1 Ericsson Mobility Report (2024)

80% of all cellular

data is generated indoors.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

In commercial real estate, cellular connectivity is

essential to support a variety of business operations

and employee needs. Employees depend on mobile

devices for seamless communication, collaboration,

and access to cloud-based services, regardless of their

specic location within a large ofce building.

Strong cellular signals ensure that calls and data

services are reliable, which is crucial for business

communications, especially for visitors or employees

who may not have immediate access to the ofce

Wi-Fi. Furthermore, robust cellular connectivity is

indispensable for emergency communications and

for enabling modern IoT-based ofce systems, such

as smart thermostats and security devices. Property

owners, managers, and developers recognize the crucial

role of cellular coverage in enhancing the lease value of

properties.

In hospitality, hotels need to deliver a secure, connected

work experience for business travelers while enabling

vacationers to surf the web and make calls back home.

Large events and conferences can massively increase

cellular trafc, compounding the problem for discrete

periods of time. A hotel therefore needs a network that

can handle high peak capacity and many different

users moving in and out of the premises.

2.0 Our Growing Reliance on

In-Building Cellular

Lack of coverage indoors is a growing issue for venue owners and

enterprises, and demands improvement, particularly as the roll

out of 5G threatens to aggravate the issue. During the pandemic,

individuals grew accustomed to the mobility of cellular networks as

they adapted to more exible work routines. Today, workers expect

to maintain work calls from home, during commutes, in parking

areas, or while riding an elevator.

Commercial

Real Estate

Hospitality

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

In residential settings, especially multi-oor or

multi-dwelling units (MDUs) managed by property

management companies, there has traditionally been

a focus on xed-line connectivity. However, the rise in

remote work has made all-day cellular connectivity

a necessity for many tenants while smart home

technologies such as smart locks, thermostats, and

security cameras require a wireless connection. Quality

cellular connectivity can signicantly enhance resident

satisfaction and make a property more attractive to

potential renters or buyers.

In retail, particularly in large stores, cellular connectivity

has become crucial. Consumers use it to check

online offers while shopping in-store and to access

retail-specic applications, and store managers and

IT(Information Technology) staff use it to manage front-

of-house displays and demonstrations. As consumers

increasingly rely upon their cellphones to support their

shopping, retail stores without quality connectivity may

lose customers and sales.

Cellular connectivity is vitally important in healthcare

to ensure seamless communication throughout the

facility. In the fast-paced environment of a hospital,

doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals rely

heavily on mobile devices to communicate quickly and

efciently about patient care, access medical records,

and receive real-time updates. Strong cellular signals

are crucial for maintaining connectivity, especially in

buildings with complex layouts and dense materials

that might obstruct signals. Additionally, patients and

visitors benet from reliable cellular service to stay in

touch with loved ones and manage personal affairs

during hospital stays. This connectivity is not just about

convenience; it’s a critical component of modern

healthcare operations and patient safety, facilitating

better outcomes and enhancing the overall hospital

experience.

Residential

Retail

Healthcare

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

In parking garages, cellular connectivity is crucial for

safety, convenience, and operational efciency. These

structures, which are often underground and enclosed,

can interfere with mobile signal reception, making it

difcult for users to make calls or use data services.

Enhanced cellular connectivity ensures that drivers and

pedestrians can contact emergency services if needed,

receive mobile payments, and use navigation apps

seamlessly. For parking management, strong signals

support the integration of smart parking solutions, such

as real-time space availability updates and automated

access controls, improving the overall user experience

and optimizing garage operations.

Across various industries, there are notable

similarities and differences in needs and

challenges. Primary stakeholders of structures,

buildings, and venues must identify the right

solutions for several crucial reasons:

Mobile connectivity is vital for operations such as

transactions, communications, and data access.

Inadequate cellular service can result in lost productivity

and revenue and potentially harm the reputation of the

facilities.

Seamless cellular connectivity serves as a competitive

advantage, helping to attract customers and

differentiate establishments from their competitors.

Dependence on cellular operators for connectivity

solutions can lead to delays and limited control,

potentially causing stakeholders to lag in adopting

modern technologies.

Proactive investment in infrastructure and technology

can future-proof businesses, keeping them abreast

of evolving customer expectations and technological

advancements.

Parking Garages

Cellular connectivity serves as the foundation for

innovation and digital transformation across industries.

To provide further context for the growing demand of

indoor cellular, let’s examine use case examples in

hospitality, commercial real estate, and multi-dwelling

buildings.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

The hospitality industry primarily aims to deliver exceptional guest experiences

to enhance revenue retention, increase occupancy, and foster repeat business

or loyalty. Establishments like hotels, casinos, and resorts face the challenge of

providing consistent connectivity both inside and outside their premises.

Venues often host various events like conferences, business meetings, weddings,

concerts, and sporting events. Particularly in urban areas, large venues can

experience network congestion due to the high volume of attendees using their

mobile devices. The goal for venue owners and managers is to ensure a high-

quality experience for attendees from the moment they arrive until they leave.

Wireless connectivity is crucial in enhancing this experience, facilitating various

guest interactions including services, food ordering, payments, entertainment,

mobile app usage, and access to key amenities. Increasingly, guest services

are migrating to smartphones, with many venues offering mobile apps that

streamline the guest experience by integrating multiple services.

Consider a scenario where you attend an event in downtown:

Driving through the city, you depend on a reliable cellular connection for navigation

and to direct you to the proper parking garage. Once parked, you might use a

phone app to pay for parking. As you walk to the venue, you might need to locate

your friends, access your digital ticket or reservation, make purchases, and nd

your seating or room — all relying on robust wireless services both outside and

inside the venue. If security is a concern, you might opt to avoid public Wi-Fi and

use your smartphone for all these activities.

2.01 Example Use Case: Hospitality

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Other crucial guest experiences reliant on mobile

communications include:

Charging electric vehicles (EV)

Taking calls or working in a restaurant, bar, or café

Arranging rideshares or food deliveries

Navigating from your hotel to a destination

Equally important is the employee experience, which

directly impacts guest services. Employees place

added demands on cellular networks to ensure they

can provide seamless and high-quality service.

Key areas where wireless connectivity enhances the

venue experience include:

Parking garage management

Point of Sale (POS) systems for kiosks or merchandising

carts

Access control or patron screening

Security camera systems

Mobile transactions by on-site staff

Management of on-site equipment and venue assets

2.02 Example Use Case: Commercial Real Estate

The commercial real estate industry has faced substantial challenges in recent

years, especially during the pandemic, which led to lease losses and non-

renewals, causing declines in occupancy rates and lease prices and affecting

the sector’s nancial performance.

Currently, the U.S. Class A ofce market is undergoing a transition known as

“ight to quality,” where tenants are migrating to newer ofces with amenities

and equipped with innovative technology and strong security systems.

To bounce back from the pandemic’s impacts and effectively adapt to the

present economic conditions, real estate stakeholders need to focus on

providing high-quality experiences for tenants and customers. Essential to this

is seamless connectivity, which allows employees to choose between wired and

wireless connections for their daily operations. Ensuring comprehensive wireless

and cellular access within and around ofce buildings is crucial.

Employees depend on uninterrupted connectivity for a range of activities,

including calls, chats, training, collaboration, and meetings. According to the

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, connectivity is

the second most important criterion for ofce space tenants, preceded only by

location (NAIOP Summer 2021).

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Real estate owners and managers are thus compelled to offer

modern and secure facilities with attractive ofce amenities

to draw and keep tenants. In a competitive market, such

amenities are crucial differentiators that signicantly affect

tenant satisfaction and retention.

The following ofce activities rely on cellular communications:

Occupant communications

EV charging stations in parking lots

Security and surveillance (cameras, access control, facial

recognition)

Parking garage access

Conference and AV rooms

Common areas (lunch and break areas)

Building systems and management (BMS, HVAC, lighting,

energy)

Connected building assets (digital signage, occupancy

sensors, hot desking solutions)

Connectivity is the second most

important criterion for ofce space

tenants, right after location.

1 NAIOP, (Summer 2021)

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

During the pandemic, multi-dwelling units (MDUs) became critical

spaces as many tenants worked from home and adhered to

quarantine measures.

This shift resulted in increased demands on building infrastructure and services,

as tenants used these systems extensively for both work and leisure. Like hotels,

MDUs and residential facilities often include adjacent or underground parking

garages for employees and residents. There is also mounting pressure to ensure

seamless cellular connectivity both indoors and outdoors. Effective cellular

coverage and services are often highlighted as amenities to attract residents

and inuence lease agreements.

2.03 Example Use Case: Multi Dwelling

The following activities rely heavily on wireless:

Security and surveillance (cameras, access control, facial

recognition)

Kiosks and front desk services

Amenity access or services

Building systems and management (BMS, HVAC, lighting,

energy)

Connected building assets (voice activated assistants, smart

smart security systems and applicances)

Occupant communications

EV charging stations in parking spots

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Cell phone coverage is the third most

important factor for movers, ranking

above cost of living and proximity to

work for most Americans.

1 whistleOut (August 2023)

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

3.0 Carriers are Not Funding

In-Building Cellular Modernization

As cellular use and networks evolve, questions arise as to who will nance the

incremental infrastructure needed to modernize.

Carriers are conducting cost-benet analyses to decide whether to pursue

infrastructure projects, balancing the potential for less-than-ideal customer

experiences against economic realities. For in-building extension projects,

carriers typically prioritize large marquee venues, such as stadiums, airports,

and convention centers, and forsake investing in sub-1MM sq. ft buildings such

as ofces, hospitals, hotels, retail stores, and multi-family residences.

Even if a carrier does choose to invest in a property, it is likely only to build the

network for its own use case, rather than one that can support its competitors.

Building owners should be wary of working with just one carrier if they want a

system to support all service providers.

The owners of these smaller properties have traditionally hesitated to invest in

cellular infrastructure improvements themselves, deterred by a lack of technical

expertise and concerns about costs, while expecting network operators to

shoulder the nancial burden.

Furthermore, many stakeholders may not recognize the full scope

of connectivity challenges or their detrimental effects on customer

experiences and business operations. Thankfully, there are affordable and

exible solutions available. Building owners and property managers, as

key stakeholders, are well-positioned to lead efforts to enhance network

connectivity, improving the experience for all involved.

Before discussing these solutions, it is important to understand the

challenges in greater depth.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

No cellular coverage= frustrated customers & employees

Proximity to the radio access network (RAN) is critical

Data usage is expected to double over the next 6 years

High trafc and densly populated areas strain the nework

Signal Penetration Issues

Equipment Proximity

Accelerated Data Usage

Massive Trafc

Latency & Legacy

Expertise & Skillset Gaps

Secure Connectivity

Single Carrier

Delays & lags in data transmission due to aging hardware

IT teams lack the time or skillset to manage new cellular solutions

Robust security is essential for data protection and privacy

The challenges facing the industry to provide a seamless experience

are complex. Let’s explore these eight variables that signicantly

impact the success or failure of indoor cellular experiences.

4.0 Cellular Connectivity

Should be SEAMLESS

A network that supports multiple networks is paramount

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

4.01 Signal Penetration Issues

As we transition from LTE to 5G, signal penetration

becomes more challenging. 5G signals, with

their higher frequency and shorter wavelength

compared to 4G/LTE, struggle to penetrate

physical structures like building walls. A weak

outdoor signal follows users indoors, leading to an

unsatisfactory indoor experience that fails to meet

consumer and operational requirements. This

presents signicant challenges, as poor cellular

connectivity hinders business operations. It’s

simple: no cell service or weak cell service means

employees become less effective, less productive,

and more frustrated.

Employees need reliable phone access for both

business and personal purposes. The quality of

calls or video streaming can signicantly affect

the perception end-users have of the network

and the building or company. Additionally, many

enterprise assets are monitored, tracked, and

managed using cellular communications, both

public and private.

4.02 Equipment Proximity

As we expand our mobile footprint and increase

remote working, the distance between radio

equipment, signals, and end-users becomes a

critical factor in ensuring seamless connectivity.

The core infrastructure, transport, and radio

access network (RAN) are vital for delivering

5G services. Proximity to the RAN or cell towers

signicantly affects signal strength and reliability.

5G cell towers typically have a range of 1 to 3

miles in low to mid-band radio areas. However,

obstructions such as buildings, walls, and oors

can further degrade signal quality. As the reliance

on remote work and mobile connectivity grows, it’s

imperative to address these challenges, and bring

the RAN closer to the end-user to ensure quality

performance and user satisfaction.

4.03 Accelerated Data Usage

Voice and data demand and consumption have

increased, and with this comes the expectation for

reliability and accessibility of data for everyday

consumer and workforce applications. This puts

growing demands on the cellular network and

drives network congestion.

Ericsson reports that average mobile data

usage per smartphone globally is projected to

increase from 21 GB in 2023 to 56 GB by 2029

This gure escalates when considering the

expanding demand for non-smartphone data

applications, including robotics, vehicle eets,

machines, equipment, and other physical assets.

This increasing data consumption worsens the

strain on cellular networks, affecting the overall

connectivity experience.

End-users rely on data communications for both

leisure and work-related activities. For leisure,

this includes streaming movies, social media,

video chatting, and online gaming. For work, data

communications support collaboration, virtual

meetings, simulated training, asset tracking,

digital signage, kiosks, digital commerce, and

more. The continued stress to the network with the

growth of data usage will need to be considered

when thinking about indoor cellular coverage.

1 Ericcson Mobility Report (June 2024)

Global mobile

data trafc

consumption per

smartphone is

expected

to reach

56 GB per

month at the

end of 2029.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

4.04 Massive Trafc

As discussed in #4.03, the industry is experiencing

a supply-demand problem, and this becomes

even more cumbersome as we enter high-trafc

or dense areas. In heavily populated urban

areas, as well as events that bring an increase in

pedestrians and visitors in concentrated locations,

the degradation of cellular signals worsens.

On healthcare and college campuses, the high

density of end-users and connected assets creates

a substantial demand for robust network solutions

to improve cellular experiences. Similarly, hotel

guests often face poor communication quality on

the most crowded days due to high trafc.

These frequently visited locations require

advanced solutions to enhance signal strength and

provide redundancy, ensuring improved reliability

and throughput. Network congestion remains

a signicant challenge for businesses, hotels,

hospitals, and campuses, requiring dedicated

efforts to maintain seamless connectivity and

meet user expectations.

4.05 Legacy & Latency

Cellular latency refers to delays or lags in data

transmission, often caused by outdated or

degraded hardware components within the

network infrastructure. Older buildings may also

lack the equipment to properly set up and install

the solutions needed. As equipment ages, it may

struggle to process data efciently, leading to

slower response times and increased latency

for users. This can negatively impact various

activities such as video streaming, online gaming,

or real-time communication, resulting in a less

satisfactory user experience.

Upgrades, and technology refreshes can help

alleviate latency issues and improve overall

network performance. Professionals in-house or

hired will need to perform a complete analysis of

all wired and wireless connectivity installed within

a building, to provide recommendations and

implement solutions that work across all methods

of both voice and data communications.

4.06 Expertise & Skillset Gaps

IT departments may lack the in-house expertise

to modernize their wireless networks. Generally,

legacy IT employees have a strong understanding

of wired communications, traditional networking,

telecommunications, and Wi-Fi, but they lack

complex cellular networking expertise and/

or cannot manage relationships with the large

carriers. Traditionally, IT departments have relied

on third-party vendors, partners, and integrators

to address connectivity challenges. However, the

cellular landscape is changing rapidly. Network

improvements and upgrade cycles are becoming

more frequent, and hardware and equipment

options are evolving at a fast pace.

Keeping up with these evolving solutions, ensuring

seamless 4G to 5G migration, and meeting the

demands of end-users and business performance

can be both costly and time-consuming. Adapting

to these changes requires continuous investment

and effort to maintain optimal connectivity and

performance.

4.07 Secure Connectivity

In today’s digital era, the security of cellular

connectivity is paramount for both personal and

business communications. With the widespread

adoption of 5G technology, which supports

everything from mobile devices to Internet of

Things (IoT) applications, the network architecture

introduces signicant complexities and potential

security vulnerabilities.

Consumers expect robust security measures to

ensure their data remains protected and private,

which is crucial for supporting personal privacy,

business integrity, and national security. The

expansion of connected devices heightens these

security risks, requiring stringent protections

across all network endpoints.

As 5G continues to evolve, maintaining strong

security protocols — through robust encryption,

continuous monitoring, and collaboration among

industry stakeholders — is essential to ensure safe

and reliable connectivity.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

4.08 Single Carrier

Ensuring that a network supports multiple carriers is paramount to

providing quality cellular connectivity for all tenants and guests,

who likely subscribe to different providers. However, creating a

multi-provider system is challenging due to the technical and

logistical complexities involved.

A single carrier

solution is not a

solution at all.

Each carrier has its specic requirements and frequencies,

which means a solution must be carefully designed to meet

these varied specications without interference.

Additionally, the negotiation process with multiple carriers

can be intricate and time-consuming, as agreements must

be reached that satisfy all parties involved, often requiring

extensive coordination and signicant upfront investment,

as well as pre-existing familiarity and relationships with the

carriers.

Most importantly, the carriers may not prioritize the same

venues: while one building might receive investment from a

carrier with many customers as tenants, other carriers might

choose not to participate in the system.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

5. Solution Review

Now let’s explore some of the solutions to address the problem of

in-building connectivity. A comparison of three solutions to improve

user access is demonstrated below: Wi-Fi, Distributed Antenna

Systems (DAS), and Neutral Host Small Cell (NHSC).

Solution

Comparision

Neutral Host

Small Cell

Wi-Fi DAS

Multi carrier

inclusive

Included as

standard

Passpoint required

to support all

Pay per carrier

onboarding

Carrier

onboarding

Day 1

(passpoint required)

9+ months

Uninterupted

calls

Car door to

ofce door

Intermittent Yes

Cost to

build/own

$$ $$$$

Speed to

deploy

6-12 weeks

6-12 weeks 6-18 months

End-to-end

support

Yes

Minimal Yes

Security

Carrier grade

as standard

Minimal, requires

additional requests

Carrier grade

as standard

Scalibility

Yes

Yes No

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Wi-Fi enables seamless access to the internet and internal networks, fostering

productivity and collaboration among customers and employees. However,

relying on Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity can have its drawbacks. Guests must

have a password for access, making network entry time-consuming and

sometimes challenging. Users expect continuous connectivity as they move

throughout a building – from their car to the building, up the elevator, and into

their ofce. With capacity constraints and coverage limitations, Wi-Fi networks

cannot guarantee a seamless connection, resulting in dropped connections

and user frustration.

5.01 Wi-Fi

Features

Wireless Access: Access to Internet and local networks,

eliminates need for cables

Multiple Device Support: Supports wide range of devices

Scalability: Easily expanded with added access points to

cover larger areas

Ease of Deployment: Easy to install and set up compared to

wired networks

Variety of Standards: Based on speed, range, and capabilities

Flexible Conguration: Congure networks for guests,

business, public

Convenience and Flexibility: Connect from anywhere within

reach

Cost-Effective: Less expensive installation/maintenance

than wired networks

Ease of Use: Minimal setup, making it user-friendly

Scalable: Add access points as you grow or upgrade to newer

Wi-Fi standards.

Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of devices and

operating systems

Benets

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Voice Capabilities: Struggles to support calls particularly

when device is mobile

Security Vulnerabilities: Access, data interception, and

cyber-attack risk

Interference: From devices, networks, and obstacles causing

performance issues

Limited Range: Limited range/coverage in multi-oor

buildings & older structures

Network Congestion: High volume of devices or users can

overload the network

Bandwidth Limitations: Lower bandwidth compared to wired

networks

Access Control: Risky environments in public spaces or large

events

Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance and updates for

security and performance

Drawbacks

5.02 Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)

A DAS improves carrier signals by distributing them to where they are needed,

and then broadcasting them to devices using multiple smaller, less powerful

antennas in various locations. DAS is especially suitable for large-scale, complex

environments where a large area needs to be covered, such as airports and

stadiums. DAS is theoretically carrier-neutral, making it a exible solution

for venues hosting users from different network providers. This technology is

crucial in large or complex structures where conventional wireless networks

might struggle due to interference or distance. By bolstering signal strength and

reducing dead zones, DAS improves productivity, customer satisfaction, and

operational efciency.

Features

Signal Distribution: Strategic placement of antennas to

distribute cellular signals

Scalability: Scale from small to large footprints including

campuses or stadiums.

Multi-Carrier Support: Supports multiple carriers and

frequencies

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Benets

Drawbacks

Customizable Coverage: Per specic requirements and

usage in the building

High Capacity: Adaptable to high volume of users/devices

simultaneously

Seamless Handoff: Seamless connectivity as users move

through coverage area

Enhanced Coverage: Improve weak signals or dead zones

Improved Signal Quality: Reduce dropped calls and improve

data speeds

Multi-Carrier Support: Users from different mobile networks

supported

Increased Capacity: Enhance high user density for venues

and buildings

Future-Proof: Support upgrades to new frequencies and

technologies (5G)

Customizable: Tailor needs to building, facility, and usage

High Initial Cost: Signicant upfront costs for equipment,

design, and installation

Complex Installation: Greater planning and coordination,

disruption to the environment

Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance for performance

optimization

Long Deployment Time: Due to carrier integration delays

Interference and Capacity Management: Requires greater

skillset and coordination

Carrier Agreements: Multi-carrier agreements require

complex negotiations and each carrier bringing separate

circuits

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Small cells are low-powered radios that ll in the cellular coverage gaps in

hard-to-reach places, including densely populated areas and in multi-oor

buildings. Small cell technologies can operate in licensed and unlicensed

spectrum that provide a range of 10 meters to several hundred meters. They

ensure comprehensive coverage by mitigating the shorter range and poor

indoor penetration associated with higher frequencies. NHSC does all of this,

while supporting more than one carrier.

5.03 Small Cell and Neutral Host Small Cell (NHSC)

Features

Low-Powered Radio Access Nodes: Enhance cellular

coverage/capacity in localized areas

Neutral Host Capability: Supports multiple carriers at the

same time

Flexible Deployment: Indoor and outdoor application to ll

coverage gaps and enhance network density

High Data Throughput: Low Latency, suitable for data-

intensive applications

Integration with Existing Networks: Works with macrocell

networks for seamless coverage

Scalability: Add more small cells to cover larger areas as you

grow

Enhanced Coverage: Improves indoor environment

connectivity and urban canyons

Cost-Effective: More cost-effective for improving coverage

and capacity in specic areas

Supports Multiple Operators: Supports multiple carriers at the

same time

Increased Capacity: Reduce congestion in high-trafc, dense

areas

Low Latency: Helps real-time data transmission

Flexibility: Adaptable to ofces, hotels, shopping malls, and

urban areas

Reuse existing assets: can use existing building data circuits

(DAS requires carrier provided circuits)

Building Analytics: provides coveted footfall and heatmap

data of cellular users in the building

Benets

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Complex Coordination: Multiple carrier coordination brings

complexity

Initial Deployment Cost: Upfront costs required, though less

than macrocell

Interference Management: Requires skillful planning and

expertise

Backhaul Requirements: Needs robust backhaul connectivity

to ensure high performance

Limited Coverage Area: Reach limitations compared to

macrocells

Ongoing Maintenance: Requires ongoing maintenance and

monitoring

Drawbacks

6.0 Working with the Right Partner

When a venue owner decides to install an in-building system, there

are several partnership models to consider: in-house, carrier-

deployed, system integrator, and third-party operator (3PO). Each

model has its benets and drawbacks depending on the specic

needs and capabilities of the building owner.

While some building owners with large IT teams may choose to task their in-

house teams with creating the in-building system, most lack the capabilities

to do so and look to partners to build the network and bring the carriers on as

tenants.

Building owners may work with IT integrators who construct the in-building

system but lack the relationships or technical sophistication to bring even a

single carrier onto the network. This leaves the building owners with a stranded

investment and a chronic connectivity problem. Alternatively, owners may turn

to third party operators (3PO) who can build and own the network and work

to bring the carriers on; however, many 3POs overstate their ability to attract

multiple tenants, requiring owners to be skeptical of upfront claims.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Selecting the right partner for implementing and installing a seamless cellular

solution is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, cost-efciency, scalability,

and multi-carrier capability.

In-House: Building and managing a system in-house requires signicant

IT expertise and resources. While it offers the highest level of control over

the system, it also involves substantial risks, including the complexities of

carrier coordination and the technical challenges of system management.

This option is usually not feasible for most building owners due to the high

initial investment and ongoing operational requirements.

Direct to Mobile Network Operator (MNO): Going directly to an MNO might

seem like a straightforward approach, but it typically results in a system

that supports only that specic operator’s network. This could signicantly

limit the system’s utility for occupants who subscribe to different carriers,

thereby reducing the system’s overall value and appeal.

System Integrator: System integrators can provide customized solutions

by integrating various subsystems and ensuring they work together

seamlessly. While they are highly skilled in the technical aspects of

DAS installation, their focus is more on the hardware and software

integration rather than ongoing operations or carrier relationships. This

can be a limitation for building owners looking for comprehensive service

management and certainty on attracting multiple carriers.

Third-Party Operator (3PO): A 3PO specializes in managing the entire

lifecycle of an in-building project, from design and installation to operation

and maintenance. The most compelling argument for choosing a 3PO is

their ability to design a DAS with the needs of multiple MNOs in mind. This is

crucial for ensuring wide coverage and compatibility. Furthermore, 3POs are

experienced in negotiating with various MNOs, acting as an intermediary

that can effectively manage relationships and expectations on behalf of

the building owner. This reduces the complexity for the owner and ensures

a DAS that is optimized for performance and protability, with potentially

faster deployment times and minimized operational hassles.

Given these options, partnering with a 3PO often makes the most sense for

building owners. A 3PO not only alleviates the burden of technical and managerial

challenges but also brings expertise in dealing with multiple carriers, ensuring

that the DAS meets the broadest possible needs and maximizes both service

quality and revenue potential. This model provides a balance of technical

prociency, operational management, and carrier negotiation that is difcult to

achieve with other partnership models.

Ultimately, however, a partner is only as good as the technology

deployed. Most 3POs deploy DAS, which requires each carrier to

bring its own separate radio, creating friction and uncertainty of

multi-carrier deployment. When deployed as part of the right

platform, the NHSC alleviates this carrier uncertainty and solves the

cellular connectivity problem quicker.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

™

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

cellShare™ by Dense Air is a unique solution that offers turnkey

services to identify connectivity gaps, install hardware, implement

software, and offer full-service management of cellular connectivity

improvements.

Dense Air provides the equipment, manages deployment, ensures

security, provides ongoing maintenance, and monitors trafc to

simplify improving cellular connectivity in building.

Primary features of the cellShare™ solution include:

7.0 cellShare™

Enabling multiple carriers at the same time, in the same

location, without waiting months or years after deployment

Cost efcient, minimal footprint, and easily integrated into

the existing buildings.

Rapid installation (weeks) compared to traditional solutions

(months and years)

Security, continuity, and reliability of your cellular connection

Fully managed as a turnkey service

Dense Air incorporates neutral host (or multi-carrier) small cells to solving the

issues of poor connections, dropped calls, and poor cellular experiences with its

cellShare™ solution. The solution can be installed space by space or oor by

oor for multi-oor buildings, which allows for a customized solution that targets

trouble areas and quickly improves end user experiences.

To identify where coverage and capacity gaps exist, cellShare™ uses big data

analytics with a proprietary software tool called denseWare™ that gathers

insights across multiple operators and end-user activity. Dense Air designs

customized solutions and rapidly deploys small cells only where needed, using

existing infrastructure to limit the cost expenditure.

Once cellShare™ is deployed, consistent, reliable 24/7/365 performance

monitoring is enabled, and maintenance and upgrade support are provided

as needed. Through denseWare™, Dense Air provides the software and APIs

(Application Programming Interfaces) needed to fully integrate with existing

systems, provide user and network insights, and present dashboard visibility for

managers or IT teams.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

Key benets offered via the cellShare™ solution include:

Increased throughput of signal for optimal experiences

Reliable turnkey and white-glove service

Scalable and secure connectivity

Budget-friendly solution with a lower TCO (Total Cost

Ownership), exible opex, and/or capex funding

Less complex and faster installations

Integrates with top carriers simultaneously

Public and private wireless friendly

Network coverage mapping and analytics platform

As businesses digitally transform and automate, cellular remains a

critical foundation for innovation. While cellular is enhancing customer

experiences, it is also being used to augment, improve, or provide

redundancy in enterprise or business networks. Cellular connectivity can

be used to extend or supplement businesses’ primary networks, augment

an existing DAS network, and extend key guest or customer services to

hard-to-reach indoor and outdoor locations.

cellShare™ by Dense Air provides reliable, uninterrupted cellular connectivity

for a fraction of the cost of other options, while improving overall guest

and employee satisfaction, loyalty, and tenant retention — ultimately

maximizing the value of your property.

Dense Air Industry Insight 2024

For more information on

cellShare™ please contact

Dense Air at:

www.denseair.net

[email protected]