Connectivity is Reshaping CRE: Insights from Dallas Bisnow Event

At Bisnow’s Dallas-Fort Worth Multifamily Annual Conference (BMAC), commercial real estate owners and operators gathered to discuss their playbook for occupancy, retention and long-term asset value.  

One theme stood out across conference sessions and conversations: connectivity is critical infrastructure that directly impacts resident experience and property performance. Let’s dig in. 

Residents want reliable connectivity 

Office tenants no longer tolerate uncertainty when it comes to connectivity. Hybrid work expectations, Renter expectations are evolving. Today’s residents are placing greater value on features that support how they live, work and stay connected.  

Flexible workspaces, smart home technology, mobile-first services and seamless access throughout the property have moved from “nice-to-have” to everyday essentials. Residents expect to take video calls and access apps from their unit and use their phone in common spaces, garages and throughout the property without interruption.  

Connectivity sits at the center of the living experience. Ninety-one percent of leasing decision-makers said a lack of reliable internet connectivity would impact their rental decision, and 84% said they would be willing to pay more per square foot for a building with better connectivity infrastructure.  

Connectivity gaps are still common 

Despite rising expectations, many multifamily properties are not designed to support reliable in-building cellular coverage. 

Boingo Wireless presented at BMAC, highlighting why: the very materials used to construct modern buildings—concrete, steel and low-emissivity (Low‑E) glass—work against wireless signals. Dense concrete and rebar absorb and weaken signals, steel reflects them, and Low‑E glass—designed for energy efficiency—can block radio frequencies. 

The result is inconsistent coverage throughout the property—dropped calls in units, weak signals in common areas and little to no connectivity in garages and elevators. In many cases, buildings unintentionally act like a barrier to the very connectivity residents rely on every day.  

Multifamily properties can stop connectivity complaints with DAS 

Distributed antenna systems (DAS) address in-building coverage challenges by delivering consistent, reliable cellular service throughout a property. Many multifamily owners also install Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) to meet public safety requirements and building codes. Together, these systems are redefining connectivity as essential infrastructure—supporting both resident experience and building safety.  

For multifamily operators, that means: 

• Reliable coverage in units and amenity spaces 

• Better support for connected devices and building systems 

• Infrastructure that aligns with long-term operational goals 

As properties become more connected, cellular coverage plays a larger role in both resident experience and property performance. 

Evaluate your property’s connectivity

At BMAC, cellular connectivity wasn’t just part of the discussion—it was the spotlight. For owners looking to stay competitive, cellular DAS and ERCES are critical  

Boingo Wireless, the largest indoor DAS provider in the U.S., brings more than 25 years of experience designing, deploying and managing in-building cellular solutions to multifamily properties.  

Our team works with multifamily owners and operators to identify coverage gaps and improve in-building cellular performance that meets today’s resident expectations—and tomorrow’s demands.  

Connect with our team to get started: sales@boingo.com.  

References: WiredScore