Wireless Infrastructure Association Publishes New White Paper on Planning for Mobile Networks During Architectural Design Phase

Exclusive Member-Generated Research Produced Now Available for Download on New Online Resource Library

Alexandria, VA — The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) today announced it has published a new white paper titled “Planning for Mobile Broadband Connectivity at the Architectural Design Phase.” The new research paper is available on the association’s recently launched Online Resource Library, which features a collection of white papers examining new wireless technologies and the issues facing the wireless infrastructure industry. Produced by the association’s Innovation & Technology Council (ITC), the reports cover a variety of topics and aim to educate industry, government and the public.

The paper focuses on the growing need for robust wireless connectivity in commercial office and retail properties. Much of the cost of deploying in-building wireless voice and data coverage can be defrayed by including plans for wireless networks in the design stage of developing new buildings or during planned renovations to an existing building.

“The cost of deploying in-building cellular coverage can be reduced with upfront preparation and thoughtful design especially early in the planning stage for new buildings or renovations,” said Ben Revette, Senior Associate and Director of Dewberry’s New England Telecommunications Engineering Practice and Chairman of the ITC Architectural Design Working Group, which produced the white paper. “It is much easier to install the necessary fiber, coax, antennas and associated system infrastructure in unoccupied space where ceilings, floors and walls are exposed.”

Members of the ITC Architectural Design Working Group who contributed to the white paper include Allen Dixon from HMI Services; Eric Abbott from ExteNet Systems; Joe Mullin from InSite Wireless Group; Patrick Lau from CommScope; Kevin Vierling from SOLiD; and Seri Yoon from Advanced RF Technologies. Jake MacLeod, President and CEO of Gray Beards Consulting LLC, serves as Chairman of the ITC.

The report presents the case that wireless infrastructure should be considered in the design process, along with other utilities such as water, electric and gas. A strong wireless infrastructure foundation also is needed to accommodate public-safety concerns. As much as 70 percent of 911 calls are placed over wireless networks and 64 percent of 911 calls are made from inside a building.

“We created the ITC to facilitate collaboration between the industry’s top professionals,” said Jonathan Adelstein, President and CEO of WIA. “Under Jake MacLeod’s leadership, the ITC is proving to be an invaluable resource for not only our growing and diverse membership but also to lawmakers and regulators in Washington, and in states and municipalities across the country. Making this research available via the association’s website and through other channels is central to our mission.”

“The WIA’s ITC convened over 45 subject matter experts to address the most pressing issues confronting our industry,” MacLeod said. “The development of the white papers is a direct result of the dedication, expertise and cooperation of the individual contributors from our member companies.  The content of the white papers is certain to be of significant and lasting value. WIA’s ITC will continue to address the difficult issues and publish the results of the industry experts on an ongoing basis.”

Adelstein commended the ITC Working Group for its research and the ITC for its efforts to deliver timely and critical industry insights through its work on a variety of topics. The ITC routinely publishes white papers as part of its mission of providing its members and the public with in-depth research related to the wireless infrastructure industry.

White papers currently published and available via the Online Resource Library include:

“Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) in Mid-Tier Markets”

This white paper explores the fundamental shift in deploying in-building wireless systems as mid-tier venues emerge as the biggest growth area for DAS deployments.

“Overcoming the Deployment Challenges of Fronthaul and Backhaul Infrastructure”

This white paper outlines the requirements for fronthaul and backhaul transport solutions that are essential for the projected increases in cellular network usage, including the anticipated proliferation of equipment that will be necessary as the Internet of Things (IoT) emerges.

“The Skills Gap in Wireless Infrastructure Education: A Strategy for Improvement”

This white paper confronts the reality that the demand for wireless infrastructure continues to outpace the industry’s existing labor force of trained technology professionals, engineers and field technicians.

“The Role of Street Furniture in Expanding Mobile Broadband”

This white paper explores the ongoing developments influencing the use of existing street furniture in the deployment of wireless networks in communities across the country.

The ITC is currently in the final phases of publishing two more white papers before moving forward with new research and another round of reports due to be published in 2017.

In addition to white papers from the ITC, the Online Resource Library will feature other materials created by WIA and its members.

To download a copy of “Planning for Mobile Broadband Connectivity at the Architectural Design Phase” and other industry research please visit the WIA Resource Library at www.wia.org/resource-library