ExteNet Systems, a leading provider of distributed networks enabling advanced mobile connectivity in commercial real estate, has announced a master agreement with Beacon Capital Partners, a leading urban office investor and operator, to deploy its distributed networks in 21 of Beacon’s prime office properties across Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Denver and Seattle.
“It’s a significant milestone for ExteNet as we continue to work extensively on deploying our distributed networks in indoor and outdoor settings,” said Jon Davis, vice president of business development and in-building solutions at ExteNet. “Our intent is to work with the national wireless carriers to enable their cellular service in the Beacon properties within a reasonable timeframe.”
He continued, “The deal highlights the increasing demand for indoor cellular coverage and broadband capacity in Class A office buildings, and it shows how Beacon, a leading urban office investor and operator, can strengthen its competitive advantage through the smart use of technology and ubiquitous cellular connectivity.” Davis noted that recent smartphone data points to a significant increase in data and video consumption for business and casual cellular users.
“Smartphone penetration exceeds 70 percent today and the ratio of smart-connected devices to people exceeds 1, which indicates a growing reliance on smart devices,” he said. “Recent data also indicates that people check their mobile devices more than 150 times a day! Given mobile broadband traffic is expected to grow more than 10-fold by 2020, property owners and managers are now looking at indoor cellular broadband connectivity as a service differentiator.
“By offering tenants and others in the building premise an advanced cellular connectivity and a superior mobile experience, Beacon can gain a competitive edge and add significant value to its portfolio,” Davis added. “Beacon chose to partner with us long-term based on our expertise and experience with distributed networks. We have a national footprint, utilize a technology agnostic approach to solving connectivity problems and have a track record of success working with several high-profile properties where we have provisioned cellular service for multiple wireless carriers on our indoor distributed networks.”
To fill coverage gaps and deliver a superior mobile broadband experience for its tenants, Beacon Capital Partners will work with ExteNet to deploy distributed networks in several landmark buildings in Beacon’s portfolio, including 180 N. LaSalle in Chicago, Columbia Center in Seattle, Wells Fargo Tower in Denver, and 32 Old Slip in New York. Davis said plans haven’t been disclosed for deploying their distributed network in any specific building within Beacon’s portfolio.
“We are currently engaging all the national wireless carriers to discuss their plans for each of the Beacon portfolio properties,” he said. “In general, it takes anywhere between three to six months to enable cellular connectivity after an agreement is signed with a wireless carrier for any building or venue.”
Davis also noted that Class A office building ownership and management teams are actively looking to address the need to deliver a superior mobile experience throughout their venues.
“Today’s business and casual users need anytime, anywhere connectivity for their voice, data and video communications,” he said. “Smartphone and tablet usage, combined with streaming media and the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture in offices, place strain on the legacy macro cellular infrastructure. We anticipate more property owners, like Beacon, will improve their venue attractiveness by utilizing distributed networks to enable indoor mobile connectivity. Distributed networks bring the network closer to the users, thereby increasing network performance and improving the tenant’s connected experience.”
