In-Building Wireless Systems Will Reach 500,000+ Buildings Through 2013

In-building wireless systems provide cellular coverage and capacity indoors when the macro network cannot effectively penetrate buildings. The systems used fall into four broad categories including passive distributed antenna systems, active distributed antenna systems, distributed repeater solutions, and distributed radio solutions. A recent report from ABI Research reveals that deployment growth of these systems has accelerated to nearly 26%; and by 2013, more than 500,000 buildings will utilize an in-building wireless system.

Principal analyst Dan Shey says, “Buildings are the last great frontier for cellular coverage of vast portions of the population. With the majority of mobile voice and data network traffic originating inside buildings, operators need to have a strong in-building wireless service in an increasingly competitive environment if they expect to keep customers.”

Drivers for in-building system growth are region-dependent. They include frequency spectrum band distribution, network air interface protocol, data services adoption forecasts, customer ARPU spend and margin, building height, and materials construction. However, operators and building owners will hold big influence on this market as a result of their propensity to deploy in-building wireless networks. Equipment used for in-building wireless systems includes the individual components of active and passive distributed antenna systems, repeaters, cabling, picocells, and femtocells.

“But in-building wireless systems will also change the marketplace for serving business customers,” continues Shey. “In-building wireless systems establish a footprint for the delivery of information and services. And successful mobile telecommunication providers will leverage these networks to fundamentally change the way data and communications are delivered to mobile customers.”

ABI Research’s In-Building Wireless Systems: Connecting Networks and Services, examines critical demand drivers for in-building wireless systems. Included in the analysis are demand driver forecasts and the impact they will have on different systems by region. The report also outlines the advantages and limitations of each system, and examines the motivations of companies providing market-leading equipment and services.

Additionally, the impacts of Wi-Fi, Voice over Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and public safety networks on in-building wireless deployments are explored. System forecasts are provided by region and building size for revenues, deployments, installation costs, and penetration, and equipment shipment and revenue forecasts by region are provided as well.

This study forms part of two ABI Research Services: Business Mobility and Mobile Networks.

ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives. For information, visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.