Wireless access increasingly vital to real estate decisions

It was only a few short years ago that having a WiFi-enabled work environment was considered an office perk. Today, it better be a given, like chairs and free coffee. 

Unfortunately, providing wireless access is not always as easy as plugging in a couple of store-bought wireless routers and providing a password. Older commercial buildings have physical barriers to adequate wireless network coverage. Plus, today's use of the Web is also far more rich-content driven (HD video/audio/social media) than it was only 18 months ago, which puts demands on facilities managers to ensure a space is physically able to sustain the demands of employees. 

The trend toward open floor plans could be in part driven by the need to eliminate physical barriers to wireless access. Additionally, many companies subscribe to or provide for employees 3G or other cellular network options to allow for on-the-go capabilities. These services are often rendered powerless when put to the test in older buildings thick with steel and concrete. 

Back in 2010, Mary Meeker, a managing director with Morgan Stanley, reported that by 2015, access to the Internet on mobile devices will overtake access from fixed devices, like desktops and laptops. Moreover, many of the largest enterprise software companies like Microsoft and SAP are investing billions in transitioning their products to the cloud. Beyond that, according to Ted Rappaport, wireless technology pioneer and client of ATR member firm Mutual Trust Corporate Real Estate of Austin, when you consider that there are 5.7 billion wireless service users in the world (as of today), 730 3G networks and that tablet usage will almost double by 2015, one should quickly realize that an omnipresent Internet connection will be vital to maintaining business productivity in the very near future. 

Today's young talent, regardless of industry, was raised on Web connectivity; it's a part of their lives, not just a recent development. In turn, companies in locations where access is a problem may very well eventually find themselves struggling to secure much-needed talent. 

Thus, commercial office tenants should strongly consider how potential locations will advocate for wireless access to company software and the Web. If wireless and mobile technologies are crucial, then tenants should consider newer space with updated architecture and if possible, in urban markets, where network providers tend to focus resources. 

Also, it is hoped that these developments in mobile technology usage pressures landlords to provide appropriate, ongoing infrastructure improvements.