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Gone are the days when in-building mobile connectivity was merely an optional enhancement. It has now transformed into an indispensable component of modern living. Beyond supporting basic cellular services, robust mobile coverage offers a range of economic, political, communal, and sustainability benefits. This shift has propelled cellular connectivity into the league of critical utilities, aligning it with electricity, water, and gas, as the digital era accelerates.
The demand for seamless mobile coverage is intensifying as individuals leverage technology to manage rising living costs and nations accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. As this trend gathers momentum, the construction industry harnesses mobile technology to enhance operations and safety on construction sites. However, architects and building engineers are now tasked with considering mobile coverage as a foundational element of property design, weaving it into the overall digital infrastructure during the initial phases of new construction or property refurbishment.
The pivotal role of high-speed broadband and mobile services became evident during the global health crisis, enabling remote work and sustaining various activities, including remote learning, telehealth and entertainment. This technological reliance is expected to culminate in over 5 billion global internet users by 2025. Seamless mobile coverage extends beyond convenience, playing a central role in the UK government's initiative to level regional imbalances in infrastructure and opportunities.
With the enactment of the UK government's building safety bill, the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in social housing and mixed-use properties has shifted from optional to imperative. Property owners and managers are now compelled to embrace IoT to demonstrate due diligence. Mobile coverage emerges as the linchpin for smart buildings, enabling the smooth operation of embedded sensors that enhance safety, well-being, and mobility within commercial and mixed-use spaces.
The challenge of delivering uninterrupted mobile connectivity within a property lies in its physical attributes and construction materials. While materials like thermal insulation foam and reinforced concrete meet safety and sustainability standards, they can hinder mobile signal transmission. Ensuring seamless mobile coverage from the outset is essential to activate embedded sensors, as cellular signals act as their triggers. By addressing this during the design phase, discrete installation of required cabling and antennas can be achieved, preserving a building's aesthetic integrity.
Achieving the requisite levels of coverage for both human-to-human and machine-to-machine communication necessitates the incorporation of external networks indoors, a critical consideration for new builds and property renovations. The approach varies based on factors such as building type, size, user count, and device density. Mobile repeaters emerge as a viable option for mid-tier building projects due to their ease of implementation, quicker installation time, and cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives.
Seamless cellular coverage holds the key to bridging the digital divide and is the linchpin of digital transformation endeavours. The synergy between the property and construction industries is pivotal, ensuring that mobile connectivity is seamlessly integrated from project inception. This collaborative effort not only enhances user experiences but also forms the bedrock of smart building and infrastructure projects that lay the foundation for the realisation of a smart city vision.
As technology continues to reshape the world around us, the significance of seamless mobile connectivity cannot be overstated. Integrating mobile coverage as an essential part of modern infrastructure ensures that we are equipped to navigate the complexities of a digitally driven society. By prioritising mobile connectivity from the outset, we forge a path toward a connected future where technology enhances lives and propels us toward the realisation of unprecedented possibilities.
A version of this article was originally published by IoT Now.
With a rich background in the Construction industry, UK Connect has been a trusted Connectivity provider since 2013. Our expertise extends across various sectors including Public Services, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Logistics, Mining and more. Discover how our comprehensive Connectivity solutions can elevate your business at www.ukconnect.com.
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