Anyone who’s stepped inside an office building, hotel, hospital or university campus has likely experienced it: the phone signal suddenly drops. No bars, no service, and if Wi-Fi isn’t reliable—or even available—they’re out of luck.
But when visitors enter a building, they aren’t considering what type of network they’re using. In today’s always-on, hyperconnected world, reliable indoor connectivity isn’t a luxury—it’s a baseline expectation. Whether making a video call, browsing the web or using cloud-based and real-time applications, enterprises need fast, secure and uninterrupted access across every square foot of their facilities. That’s where indoor cellular solutions deliver.
Wi-Fi and indoor cellular: Better together
In today’s world, Wi-Fi remains a key component of enterprise connectivity. It’s ideal for day-to-day tasks—streaming meetings, checking email, connecting IoT devices and keeping operations running smoothly. It’s flexible, cost-effective and foundational to nearly every enterprise’s connectivity strategy.
But as buildings grow more complex and digital demands surge—driven by more devices and bandwidth-heavy applications—connectivity can’t afford to falter. Coverage gaps or inconsistent performance can lead to more than frustration: they disrupt workflows, impact business-critical systems and introduce real safety risks.
That’s why forward-looking organizations are taking a more holistic approach and adding purpose-built indoor cellular—especially neutral host networks for 5G. Designed to deliver carrier-grade performance where it’s needed most, these next generation systems enable connectivity across the three major US MNOs (Mobile Network Operators), ensuring strong, scalable performance to meet today’s enterprise demands.
For modern enterprise leaders, the conversation is not about Wi-Fi versus cellular—it’s about ensuring both are available and working in harmony. Employees, tenants, customers, and partners increasingly expect seamless, high-performance connectivity indoors that mirrors the experience they get outdoors. Meeting those expectations is key to operational continuity, enhancing user satisfaction and staying competitive in a connected world.
The power of neutral host and 5G
A neutral host model allows multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) to share the same radio infrastructure. This means Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile can operate seamlessly within the indoor environment—a game-changer for building owners and enterprises because it:
- Eliminates the need for separate systems for each carrier
- Reduces deployment and maintenance costs
- Future-proofs the building for 5G and beyond
Ericsson’s Radio Dot System leads the way in this space, delivering high-performance indoor 5G coverage that scales with a compact footprint, low-power consumption and support for multiple operators.
Why purpose-built indoor cellular makes a difference
Modern indoor cellular solutions, particularly those built on small cell architectures deployed as neutral-host networks, are engineered to close the connectivity gap. They deliver consistent, carrier-grade coverage across every floor, wing and corridor—so anyone entering the building can connect with their carrier of choice, without interruption.
Today’s modern indoor cellular systems are:
- Fully digital, compact and energy-efficient, designed to integrate seamlessly into indoor environments
- Centrally managed, with the ability to direct coverage and capacity where it’s needed most
- Scalable and flexible, allowing organizations to start small and expand as demand grows
- Cost-efficient, especially when deployed as neutral-host infrastructure supporting multiple carriers on a single network
Whether developing, owning or operating a commercial high-rise, a healthcare system or a university campus, indoor cellular connectivity now belongs on the shortlist of essential infrastructure.
Why it matters more than ever
As user expectations rise and operations become more data-driven, the demand for always-on, high-performance connectivity inside buildings is reaching a new level of urgency. These include:
- Tenant and guest expectations: In commercial real estate, connectivity is now a top-five tenant demand. It’s no longer a perk—it’s a dealbreaker.
- Critical communications: From emergency alerts to real-time collaboration, some systems simply can’t afford delays or downtime—including E911 services, which depend on reliable indoor coverage to ensure accurate call routing and location data for first responders.
- Workforce mobility: Employees don’t just work at desks anymore. They move: between floors, buildings, campuses—and they expect continuous access to mobile tools, apps, and communication.
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and multi-carrier realities: Back-to-office mandates are accelerating the need for reliable in-building connectivity—but today’s workforce doesn’t operate on a single device and carrier. With BYOD now the norm, employees often bring phones and tablets that run on different mobile networks. If a building only supports one carrier, or relies solely on Wi-Fi, connectivity suffers, leaving people disconnected and frustrated.
The bottom line: There’s no either/or
Choosing between Wi-Fi and indoor cellular is like choosing between air conditioning and lighting. Enterprises need both to create an environment that works efficiently and reliably. Together they form the backbone of a truly connected facility.
As organizations plan their next facility upgrades, digital transformation initiatives, or smart building investments, one essential question should guide the conversation: Do they have cell service inside for all carriers?
Because whether it’s a businessperson, a patient, a student, or a guest—they don’t care how wireless works. They expect more—and better coverage means better business.