good signal in the office? A new standard in the real estate market

For decades, the checklist for companies looking for new office space remained fairly constant. Location, price, fit-out standard, access to parking, and public transport — these were the pillars on which every decision was based. Today, in the era of hybrid work, digital transformation, and the constant need to be online, a fourth key element has joined these foundations: connectivity.

It’s no longer just about fast fiber-optic internet, which has become an obvious standard. We’re talking about something more fundamental and ubiquitous — a reliable mobile phone signal. A good signal in the office is no longer seen as a nice-to-have. It has become a hard requirement, a new “utility” on par with water, electricity, and heating. For developers, property managers, and agents, this is a wake-up call: buildings with connectivity issues will lose value and attractiveness in the eyes of tenants. Conversely, those who can prove their digital excellence gain a powerful competitive advantage.

the “good enough Wi-Fi” myth — why mobile networks still matter most

The most common response to concerns about mobile signal quality is: “But we have excellent Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Calling.” This is a dangerous oversimplification that ignores the realities of today’s work environment. Relying solely on Wi-Fi creates a host of issues and communication gaps that are unacceptable for professional business.

First, there’s the matter of guests and clients — do we want every visitor to our office to ask for a password and log into the network to make a basic call?

Second, Wi-Fi Calling does not support all services — a critical example being SMS authentication codes (2FA), essential for logging into banking systems or corporate applications. Without GSM coverage, these services are unavailable.

What’s more, Wi-Fi networks can be congested, coverage may be imperfect in all corners of the office, and call quality over Wi-Fi can be unstable. Mobile signal remains the most universal, reliable, and secure form of voice connectivity — the foundation of professional communication.

tenant’s perspective: signal as a work tool and talent magnet

A modern company is a dynamic organism. Employees are not tied to their desks — they move around, take calls in relaxation areas, project rooms, or even the kitchen. Every dropped call during client negotiations is a potential financial and reputational loss. Every minute spent searching for a “two-bar” spot is a drop in productivity.

A good signal in the office is, for a tenant, the bedrock of operational efficiency. But its role goes deeper. In today’s competitive labor market, the battle for top talent is also fought on the level of the work environment. A company that offers an office that is a technological “black hole” sends a negative message to both potential and current employees: it shows that it doesn’t understand their needs or invest in tools that make their work easier. A convenient, hassle-free work environment — where technology simply works — becomes a key part of employer branding and a factor that keeps talent within the company.

owner’s advantage: how connectivity translates into property value

For property owners, managers, and agents, prioritizing mobile signal quality is not a cost but a strategic investment with high ROI. A property that can boast guaranteed, excellent connectivity benefits in multiple ways.

First, it significantly shortens the commercialization process. Information about certified signal quality is a powerful selling point that sets an offer apart from the competition and accelerates the tenant’s decision-making process.

Second, it increases the loyalty and satisfaction of existing tenants. Providing them with a seamless working environment is the best way to reduce turnover and costly vacancy periods.

Third, it justifies premium rental rates. Tenants are willing to pay more for a space that guarantees uninterrupted operations and eliminates one of the most common sources of daily frustration. Finally, it builds the image of the developer or property manager as a market leader who understands and implements the standards of the future.

the trust problem — how to prove your signal is truly good?

In commercial real estate, where long-term leases and large sums are at stake, verbal assurances are not enough. Saying “our signal is good” is subjective and unverifiable. One employee might be satisfied, while another — using a different carrier and working in a different part of the office — constantly struggles.

How can you objectively, credibly, and professionally prove to the market that a given property meets the highest connectivity standards? How can you turn a vague promise into a hard, measurable marketing asset? What’s needed is an independent, measurement-based standard — a certificate that does for mobile connectivity what LEED or BREEAM do for sustainability.

on signal connectivity certificate — turn signal quality into your asset

The answer to this market need is the on signal mobile connectivity quality certificate — the first independent standard in Poland and Europe for verifying mobile signal quality inside commercial properties. Our process is based not on subjective impressions, but on a comprehensive technical audit carried out by engineers using professional measurement equipment. We analyze the strength and quality of all major operators’ signals in every part of the building — from underground parking lots, through lobbies and elevators, to the entire office floor space.

Obtaining the on signal certificate delivers powerful benefits for property owners:

• irrefutable marketing tool: A certificate with a one-, two-, or three-star rating is ready-to-use material for listings, presentations, and websites, immediately boosting the property’s prestige.

• objective proof of quality: Gives potential tenants confidence and eliminates concerns about connectivity before the lease is even signed.

• real competitive advantage: Sets the property apart from hundreds of others that cannot document their telecom infrastructure quality.

• basis for optimization: The audit provides invaluable insights into weak spots, serving as a starting point for potential upgrades.

In today’s world, investing in connectivity is investing in the future — and in your property’s value. Don’t let your offer fall behind.