London Calling? Why Your Office Has No Signal
Over recent years, we’ve seen just how common it is for London offices to experience patchy mobile signal, even in newly built or refurbished spaces. It’s an issue that many businesses across the city continue to face.
In this blog, we explore the main reasons why mobile coverage can be so unreliable in London’s offices, the impact this has on day-to-day business, and the solutions that are available. We’ll also introduce one of our free, downloadable white papers, ‘London Calling?’, which takes a deeper look at the causes of poor signal and how they can be addressed.
Why Is Mobile Signal So Poor in London Offices?
Despite advances in mobile technology, many modern office buildings in London are plagued by weak or unreliable mobile coverage. Our white paper explores the key factors behind this issue, including:
Modern Building Materials: Glass, steel and concrete are great for energy efficiency and aesthetics, but they’re notorious for blocking mobile signals.
Narrow streets: London’s historic layout means narrow, irregular streets, which can hinder mobile signal reception as signals bounce between buildings.
Network Overload: London’s population density means mobile networks are often stretched to their limits, especially during peak hours.
Underground and Lower Ground Floors: Offices located below street level, such as basements or underground meeting rooms, are particularly prone to poor signal due to their position and the materials surrounding them.
Energy-Efficient Windows: Many modern offices use specialist glazing and low-emissivity glass to improve insulation, but these can also significantly reduce the ability of mobile signals to pass through.
Interference from Other Electronic Devices: The sheer number of electronic devices and wireless networks in a typical office can create interference, further weakening mobile signal strength.
Distance from Mobile Masts: Some offices, especially those in densely built-up areas, may be located far from the nearest mobile phone mast, making it harder for signals to reach them effectively.
Higher frequency bands: 5G uses higher frequency bands, including millimetre-wave (mmWave) bands, which are more easily absorbed or reflected by solid objects.
The Impact of Poor Mobile Signal
The issue is more widespread than you might think. Many UK office workers still struggle with poor mobile coverage in their workplace, making it difficult to stay connected throughout the day. The impact includes:
Decreased productivity: Employees may become frustrated and distracted when they can’t use their mobile devices, leading to a decrease in work output.
Missed opportunities: Weak or non-existent signal can lead to missed calls and dropped connections, which can result in missed business opportunities and lost revenue.
Safety concerns: A lack of mobile signal can pose a safety risk in emergencies, as employees may be unable to call for help or receive important alerts.
Two-factor authentication issues: Many security methods rely on a one-time code sent to a mobile phone via SMS, which can’t be received without a signal.
So, what's the solution? Is Wi-Fi calling the answer? Our white paper explores this option but also highlights its limitations, such as its reliance on a stable internet connection and the inability to seamlessly transfer calls between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. We want everyone to recognise just how essential strong mobile signal is, as how Wi-Fi alone can’t offer the same consistency or reach as a dedicated mobile network.
If you want to get to the bottom of your building's signal problems, download the full white paper, “London Calling?”, for a comprehensive, in depth look at the causes of poor mobile signal in London’s modern office buildings and the best solutions for your business.