In today’s world, up to 90% of mobile data transmissions occur indoors. High-quality phone connections and fast Wi-Fi are no longer luxuries but fundamental user requirements in offices, homes, shopping centers, and hotels. Ensuring optimal connectivity in environments where signals are often attenuated by walls, glass, and modern building materials is becoming a key challenge.

Emerging Wi-Fi Standards: Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi has long been the cornerstone for local wireless connectivity in buildings. The technology is rapidly evolving thanks to standards such as Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E, and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be).

Wi-Fi 6 significantly boosts network capacity and reliability, especially in areas with numerous connected devices. Using technologies like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and 1024-QAM modulation, networks are now up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 5.

Wi-Fi 6E extends capabilities by unlocking the new 6 GHz spectrum, providing increased bandwidth essential for high-speed, low-latency applications such as 8K streaming and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR).

The forthcoming Wi-Fi 7 promises even more revolutionary improvements, leveraging three frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) and allowing channels up to 320 MHz wide. This could enable theoretical speeds between 23 and 46 Gb/s, positioning Wi-Fi 7 as a viable alternative to Ethernet in demanding environments.

Indoor Mobile Connectivity: DAS, Small Cells, and Femtocells

Alongside Wi-Fi, stable cellular coverage inside buildings is equally crucial. Traditional outdoor transmitters often fail to provide adequate indoor signal strength, particularly in modern structures that heavily attenuate signals.

Specialized solutions address this challenge:

• Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS): Networks of antennas connected to a central signal source, ensuring even coverage throughout buildings.
• Small Cells: Compact base stations installed indoors, ideal for offices, shopping malls, or stadiums.
• Femtocells: Small-scale units primarily for home and small office use, enhancing local operator coverage.

These technologies can operate independently or as part of a “neutral host” model, where one infrastructure supports multiple network operators—particularly beneficial in large commercial facilities.

Technical Standards and Regulations: Perspectives from the USA, Germany, Japan, and Poland

Technological advancements depend significantly on local regulatory frameworks:

• In the USA, broad access to the 6 GHz band, certified boosters, and private 5G networks using the CBRS spectrum create favorable conditions. Critical connectivity regulations for emergency services are also vital.
• Germany, under EU regulations, limits the 6 GHz band usage for Wi-Fi 6E to low-power devices but strongly supports private 5G networks, particularly in industrial sectors. Indoor infrastructure must comply with strict safety standards, with shared DAS solutions being common.
• Japan, renowned for telecom excellence, allows private 5G implementations, with operators investing heavily in indoor infrastructure, often on a neutral-host basis. Device certification and safety regulations are stringent, maintaining high service quality.
• Poland, despite liberalizing electromagnetic field norms and formally permitting access to the 6 GHz band, is just beginning to accelerate indoor connectivity development. It lacks specific regulations comparable to the USA or Germany, with initiatives primarily driven by telecom operators and private infrastructure providers. Economic aspects, particularly infrastructure costs, remain challenging.

Trends and Recommendations for Developers and Investors

The future of indoor communication involves combining efficient Wi-Fi solutions with stable cellular systems. Developers should incorporate appropriate technical infrastructure—such as cable channels, access point placements, and DAS systems—from the planning stages to prevent expensive retrofits later.

Optimizing wireless networks is both a technical challenge and an opportunity to enhance property value and user satisfaction. In an increasingly connected world, investing in reliable internet access and robust cellular coverage can significantly elevate the appeal of properties.

Investing in Reliable Indoor Connectivity: A Smart Choice

Investing in modern telecom infrastructure has become crucial for property valuation. Experiences from the United States, Germany, and Japan demonstrate that robust Wi-Fi and strong GSM signals are no longer premium extras but expected standards.

Poland has considerable room for improvement, yet recent trends indicate readiness for significant indoor connectivity advancements. Investors and developers who proactively adopt advanced networking solutions can expect enhanced property values and a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving real estate market.