Connectivity: A Strategic Advantage for Commercial Property Owners

In today’s digitally driven workplace, fast, resilient broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity are no longer tenant perks; they’re a core expectation. Reliable Wi-Fi and fibre broadband are now considered essential infrastructure, directly influencing tenant acquisition, retention, and the commercial value of properties.

Recent data from Radius Data Exchange shows that occupiers are willing to pay up to 5% more in rent for London office space with strong digital connectivity compared to similar space without guaranteed performance. WiredScore-certified buildings command rents £6.50 higher per square foot and have an average vacancy rate of 3.8% lower.

Modern commercial buildings rely on seamless connectivity to support:

• Cloud-based applications
• Smart building systems
• Real-time communications
• Hybrid work models
• Tenant operations and guest access.

Unstable Wi-Fi leads to lagging video calls, dropped connections, and frustrated users. But the good news? You don’t need a full network overhaul to see dramatic improvements.

If you’re seeing any of these issues, it’s time to act:

• Lag and latency during video calls or app usage
• Dropouts in signal across key areas
• Jitter affecting voice and video quality
• Dead zones in meeting rooms or tenant spaces
• Unknown devices accessing your network (this is a serious security risk, as it can lead to data theft, malware infection, and unauthorised use of your network resources)
• Slow upload/download speeds despite high-speed plans.

These aren’t just technical glitches; they’re barriers to tenant satisfaction, operational efficiency, and a real and present security risk.

1. Upgrade Legacy Hardware
   Outdated routers and firewalls can bottleneck even the fastest connections. Invest in enterprise-grade equipment designed for high-density environments.
2. Prioritise Critical Traffic
   Implement Quality of Service (QoS) protocols to ensure essential services like video conferencing and VoIP get bandwidth priority.
3. Segment Your Network
   Create dedicated network lanes for tenants, building systems, and guest access. This reduces congestion and enhances security.
4. Balance Server Loads
   Distribute traffic intelligently across servers to prevent overloads and maintain consistent performance during peak usage.
5. Optimise Network Settings
   Regularly audit and fine-tune your router, switch, and firewall configurations. Use monitoring tools to identify and resolve issues proactively.
6. Deploy Threat Detection
   An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) helps spot unusual activity before it impacts performance or security.
7. Establish Backup Connectivity
   A secondary internet connection ensures business continuity, even during outages or maintenance.
8. Update Network Protocols
   Modernise your protocols to better manage real-time data flow, especially for tenants in sectors like finance, legal, or e-commerce.

At Modern Networks, we don’t just fix connectivity issues. We enable buildings to perform. Our consultative approach ensures your digital infrastructure supports long-term asset growth, tenant retention, and operational excellence.

WiredScore certification is the global benchmark for digital connectivity in buildings. It provides a standardised framework to assess and promote the quality of a building’s internet infrastructure, mobile coverage, and technology resilience—similar to how LEED certifies sustainability.

• Higher Rents & Asset Value: Certified buildings command £6.50 higher rent per ft and show 2.2% greater rental growth in Class A assets.
• Lower Vacancy Rates: WiredScore-certified buildings have 3.8% lower vacancy rates and 9-month longer leases on average.
• Futureproofing: Certification ensures your building is ready for evolving tenant demands and emerging technologies.
• Investor Confidence: Demonstrates a commitment to digital infrastructure, helping attract capital and long-term investment.

• Operational Efficiency: WiredScore provides tools and data to manage digital infrastructure across portfolios effectively.
• Benchmarking & Improvement: Enables operators to assess, improve, and promote their building’s connectivity performance.
• Smart Integration: Supports seamless integration of smart building systems and IoT technologies.

• Reliable Connectivity: Assurance of high-speed internet, strong mobile signal, and resilient infrastructure.
• Productivity & Experience: Supports cloud-based apps, hybrid work, and real-time collaboration.
• Transparency: Removes uncertainty during lease negotiations by clearly communicating digital capabilities.
• Choice & Flexibility: Confirms access to multiple service providers and future-ready infrastructure.

Ready to transform your broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity into a competitive advantage?

Let’s talk about how Modern Networks can help you build smarter, more connected spaces that tenants love and investors value.