Today’s real estate market requires an adaptive and scalable connectivity solution master plan by Anita Skara

Anita Skara, MGE Unified Technologies Corp.

The need to be connected anywhere, anytime is transforming the way in which people are living and working. Ubiquitous connectivity is no longer a preference, it is a requirement. In the highly competitive real estate market, properties that offer multiple connectivity options will attract and retain tenants. Whether communicating via cellular, fixed wireless, wireline, or Wi-Fi your tenants and residents will want high bandwidth connections.

In a residential building the quality of connection within the living space to access streaming video and music content as well as social media across all of their devices is just as important as aesthetic, square footage, and amenities. Certain prospective residents consider connectivity as one of the main requirements. Some applicants will end a showing if their mobile device is not receiving high-speed service in the property they are viewing.

The demand is even higher when it comes to commercial buildings; every day more and more cloud based systems and applications are being adopted. The Industry 4.0 revolution relies on connectivity for Cyber-Physical Systems and Internet of Things (IOT) devices to communicate and function. Connectivity is one of the top five factors for selecting a property; Technology, Advertising, Media, Information (TAMI), and co-working companies consider it to be one of the top three factors along with location and cost.

Whether it is new construction, major renovation, tenant re-stack or minor alterations, having a procedure in place for telecommunications design and construction drawing review by a Unified Technology professional will ensure that key stakeholders’ requirements are identified then incorporated into a mutually agreed design/ build package. A repository of detailed “as-built” drawings conveniently allows building operations and leasing staff to identify installed telecommunications cable, plant, and equipment. This procedure also provides support documentation to lease terms and conditions including, but not limited to, equipment footprint, electric usage/sub-metering, pathway and conduit rights, and antenna installation rights.

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy destroyed 25% of cell towers along with millions of route miles of fiber optic and copper cabling systems across 10 states causing millions of people and businesses to lose power and communication services. It was a painful lesson that showed how telecom service providers’, tenants’, and landlords’ interests have not always been aligned. Investing in the telecommunications infrastructure such as Point of Entry (POE), vertical and horizontal pathway systems, rooftop access combined with instituting and following best practices, and quality control measures will reduce installation times and help mitigate the risks of sudden costly outages to tenant and building telecommunications systems.

As federal, state, local, and industry codes recognize how standards evolve, it is important to have knowledge and expertise to ensure compliance with relevant Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Having to retro-fit and/or remove telecommunications cable, plant, and equipment can be a costly and complicated undertaking. Implementing the fundamental fail safes will protect you from an unnecessary refit.

The city of New York, in partnership with public and private leaders, is realizing that reliable high speed broadband is one of the keys to maintaining the city’s position as a global leader for commerce, education, finance and tourism. In 2013, under mayor Bloomberg, WiredNYC was founded creating WiredScore, a broadband certification process for commercial buildings. WiredScore is widely being considered the LEED for broadband connectivity. Since its inception, WiredScore has been providing brokers, landlords, and tenants a benchmark to compare connectivity options.

As we move further into the digital age, providing high-speed digital connections to your tenants from a variety of providers will be a pillar in your property’s value. Industry standards are ever changing; the best way to protect your investment is by keeping your property infrastructure one step (one leap!) ahead with a master plan.

Anita Skara a principal at MGE Unified Technologies Corp., New York, N.Y.