Older doesn’t have to mean obsolete: closing the office connectivity gap

An older office building can have a strong location and attractive workspace, yet still struggle to meet occupier expectations if people cannot make a reliable mobile call or get their business connected quickly. For building owners, addressing those shortcomings means understanding what needs to change and finding a commercially viable way to deliver it.

That challenge was on the agenda at PropTech Connect, where we were invited to join the panel on “The Growing Divide Between Prime and Obsolete Offices”. For Shared Access and Node, closing that divide means giving owners a practical, commercially viable route to better mobile connectivity and digital infrastructure. A building’s age need not dictate its ability to compete.

Connectivity is part of building quality

For occupiers, building quality includes how easily they can make a mobile call, get online and access the services they need to work.

Meeting those expectations requires distinct but complementary infrastructure. Shared Access designs, funds, installs and manages in-building mobile connectivity. Node provides the fibre and digital networks that support internet access, Wi-Fi and connected building systems.

Looking at these requirements together helps owners identify gaps, prioritise improvements and prepare their buildings for changing occupier demands.

Start with what the building already has

Age alone doesn’t determine whether a building can meet those expectations. Older properties may have outdated systems, but they can also have infrastructure that remains perfectly usable.

The first step is to understand what is there, what can be retained and where investment would make a meaningful difference.

Shared Access and Node’s free building health checks help owners understand their existing digital infrastructure, where improvements are needed and what they are likely to cost. Combined with an assessment of mobile coverage needs, the findings provide a clear starting point for planning the building’s upgrade.

Older doesn’t necessarily mean obsolete. What matters is having a realistic plan to get from where the building is today to where occupiers expect it to be.

Make occupation easier and future change possible

Two occupier requirements stand out: speed and flexibility.

Businesses want to move into their space and start working. Waiting weeks for connectivity, wayleaves or infrastructure can delay occupation, even when the office itself is ready. Discovering poor mobile reception creates another problem for employees and visitors.

Planning connectivity as part of the building’s core infrastructure helps owners address these issues before they become an occupier’s frustration.

Requirements will also evolve. More devices, applications, sensors and connected services will place new demands on a building over the course of a lease. A well-designed digital foundation, supported by ongoing management, makes it easier to accommodate that change.

Flex offices are helping to shape expectations. People who experience reliable connectivity and straightforward access to technology in a serviced workspace will expect a similar standard when taking a traditional lease.

Make the investment achievable

Knowing what needs to improve is only part of the answer. Owners also need a workable way to pay for it.

A substantial upfront bill for mobile coverage, fibre, Wi-Fi and smart building infrastructure can prevent a project from progressing, particularly before an occupier has been secured.

Funding is central to Shared Access’ approach. Shared Access and Node can deliver infrastructure through a long-term OpEx model, spreading costs over an agreed term. Depending on the lease terms, landlords may also be able to recover these costs through the building’s service charge.

This gives owners a way to assess improvements as an ongoing cost per square foot, supported by management and maintenance, rather than having to fund the entire installation upfront.

For an older office competing for occupiers, that can make an upgrade commercially achievable.

Give existing buildings a credible route forward

Closing the gap between prime and secondary offices requires practical answers to three questions: what infrastructure can be retained, what connectivity do occupiers need and how can improvements be funded?

Shared Access and Node bring together complementary expertise to help owners answer them, from in-building mobile coverage to the digital networks supporting occupiers and building operations.

For owners assessing their next investment, the starting point is a clear view of their building’s connectivity today and a realistic plan for where it needs to be.