WIA Unveils Key Insights from Nationwide Survey on In-Building Wireless Networks

Enterprises Increasingly Turning to In-Building Wireless Solutions to Meet Operational and Security Needs

ARLINGTON, VA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) today released results from a nationwide survey of U.S. enterprise IT professionals responsible for or knowledgeable of their company’s in-building and campus wireless network deployments and plans. A summary of the findings is available for download at WIA.org.

WIA’s survey results shine a light on the business and IT needs for indoor connectivity for enterprises, as well as current and future plans for deployment of in-building networks and private 5G. The survey polled IT managers from the healthcare, manufacturing, stadiums and arenas, transportation, and hospitality sectors.

“Connectivity continues to be a key ingredient for innovation and digital transformation across enterprises, making in-building wireless networks one of the fastest-growing sectors of the wireless industry,” said Patrick Halley, President and CEO, WIA. “WIA’s survey of IT professionals shows a growing awareness across industries of the benefits of cellular connectivity, including the increased security of 5G, flexibility to meet various business needs, and cost of deployment.”

The Need for Connectivity

Traditionally, the highest concentration of in-building wireless deployments has and continues to be in larger, complex facilities, such as stadiums, large hotels, convention centers, corporate headquarters or expansive commercial spaces. However, the survey results show a growing concentration of planned and/or newly installed in-building and private wireless networks are in smaller building sizes compared to their deployed counterparts. And, the top three devices that IT professionals wish they could connect are inventory management systems, HVAC and environmental controls, and remote offices.

Going Cellular

Overall, security, business fit, and cost remain the main drivers for selecting wireless networks over other wired and Wi-Fi options. Specifically, 50% of IT managers who have deployed in-building wireless said they chose cellular because of its security features. When it comes to vendor selection, 58% of IT managers prioritized solution performance when selecting external partners for in-building cellular installations, followed by 46% who considered cost a top priority.

Education is Key

Overall, the survey results showed the importance of experience for establishing technical familiarity with in-building wireless solutions and the need for targeted education for enterprise IT managers who are in the planning stage:

• 97% of IT managers who have deployed in-building networks are familiar with 5G, while 91% of those planning in-building networks said they were familiar with the term.
• A high percentage (85%) of deployed managers are familiar with private network solutions.
• CBRS was the least familiar term, with less than 60% of all IT managers saying they are familiar with it.

For more information, download a summary of WIA’s In-building Wireless Survey.

JOIN: Enhance your in-building expertise and join the In-building Connectivity Summit at Connect (X) on May 13 in Chicago with a keynote from Kamal Sadarangani, VP & Head, Telecommunications, LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

LEARN: Read more in-building wireless market insights across industries on the WIA blog.

WATCH: Dig into innovative use cases of 5G indoors in this WIA webinar with panelists from Amentum, JMA Wireless and Wesco.

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About WIA:

The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) represents the businesses that build, develop, own, and operate the nation’s wireless infrastructure. WIA advocates for the widespread, responsible deployment of wireless infrastructure to enable mobile broadband for communities everywhere.

Media Contact: April.Ward@wia.org