With a merger between two major wireless companies and a global pandemic redefining the communications infrastructure landscape, there is a lot to talk about when it comes to in-building wireless trends. Recently, our CEO Justin Marron joined a panel of experts for the NEDAS keynote panel DAS | Current M&A and Financing Trends to offer his perspective.
You can watch the 30-minute panel below. Keep reading for more information on the hot items driving in-building wireless trends!
COVID-19 and In-Building Wireless Trends
Marron and fellow panelists, Ryan Lepene, Co-President for Pepper Tree Capital, and Patrick Fear, Managing Director for AB Private Credit, all agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we do business now and possibly well into the future. In the short term, the panelists noted how communications infrastructure has started to improve. Building owners have opted to make upgrades because tenants have been working remotely.
Marron shared examples of how SVP has grown through the pandemic.
“We were building out a lot of shopping malls and those retail centers were shut down due to the pandemic. We were able to build throughout the day instead of at night and we delivered projects quicker than anticipated,” said Marron.
How COVID-19 Has Changed the Healthcare Landscape
Marron went on to talk about how the healthcare vertical has come into focus more than ever before during the pandemic. Their team navigated through upgrading a system inside a healthcare facility as medical staff were treating COVID-19 patients. Keeping everyone safe was the top priority while finding a way to deliver a reliable communications infrastructure became more important than ever.
Marron said Wireless carriers previously didn’t spend a lot of time focusing on healthcare facilities. After the pandemic, he believes healthcare facilities will look for ways to improve their infrastructure and wireless carriers will see it as a more viable vertical.
“You have telehealth, AI, and 5G, and a lot of these trends are going to play into why building out the healthcare infrastructure is so important. This will result in a bigger push for traffic and a greater return on investment for carriers. I think they’re going to participate somewhat in those areas where they haven’t before,” commented Marron.
How the T-Mobile / Sprint Merger Affects In-Building Wireless Trends
The approval of the T-Mobile / Sprint Merger this spring is being closely watched by the panelists and other industry experts. Post-COVID, there is more risk premium in terms of investing due to the increased level of uncertainty that has come with the onset of the virus. The increased risk, in some cases, can mean investors are more cautious. However, with the approval of the merger and other well-known names, like Dish, building out 5G infrastructure, the panelists agreed that prices will remain competitive at their current level. Competitive pricing means investors may not have to come out of pocket more.
View the entire panel discussion at the link below. If you have questions about your in-building wireless infrastructure, view our long-term solutions to see how we can help your business or contact us anytime!