Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Nia Christair, a leading expert in mobile connectivity with a rich background in mobile gaming, app development, device design, and enterprise solutions. With indoor mobile connectivity emerging as a critical issue for businesses and economies, particularly in regions like Wales, Nia is here to shed light on how poor signal inside buildings is impacting productivity, what solutions are on the horizon, and why this issue matters more than ever. Our conversation dives into the economic stakes, the challenges posed by building structures, and the transformative potential of targeted digital infrastructure investments.
How does indoor mobile connectivity impact businesses, and why is it such a pressing concern in Wales?
Indoor mobile connectivity refers to the strength and reliability of mobile signals inside buildings, which is crucial for seamless communication and operations. In Wales, it’s a major issue because research shows that poor indoor signal is costing the economy around £4 billion annually. Businesses rely on mobile networks for everything from video calls to accessing cloud-based tools, and when the signal drops, even for a few minutes, it disrupts workflows and eats into productivity. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a significant barrier to efficiency and growth.
What are the main factors that lead to poor mobile signal inside buildings?
A big part of the problem comes down to the physical environment. Many buildings in Wales, and elsewhere, are constructed with materials like steel frames, thick walls, and energy-efficient glass that block mobile signals. These materials are great for structural integrity or energy savings, but they act like a shield against radio waves. This means even if there’s a strong signal outside, it often can’t penetrate indoors, leaving employees and customers frustrated with dropped calls or slow data.
Can you explain how these connectivity issues translate into such massive economic losses for Wales?
Absolutely. The £4 billion loss figure comes from the cumulative effect of daily disruptions across businesses, especially those with over 100 employees, where losses can hit £4.6 million per organization yearly. It’s the small things that add up—think a dropped video call that delays a decision by five minutes or a slow connection that hinders access to critical documents. When you multiply those minutes across thousands of workers and hundreds of days, you’re looking at a significant reduction in productive time, sometimes as much as 1% annually, which directly impacts the bottom line.
With 80% of mobile usage happening indoors, what do you think drives this trend, and does it surprise you?
Honestly, that statistic doesn’t surprise me at all. Most of our daily activities—whether it’s working in an office, shopping, or even attending events—happen inside buildings. People expect to stay connected wherever they are, and indoors is where critical communications often take place, like client meetings or accessing real-time data. This high indoor usage far outstrips outdoor needs in many cases, especially in urban areas of Wales where people spend most of their time in offices or public venues, making indoor connectivity a non-negotiable priority.
Research suggests fixing indoor mobile blackspots could boost Wales’s GDP by over 2%, potentially adding £3 billion. How feasible do you see this projection?
I think it’s quite realistic if the right investments are made. That 2% GDP boost reflects the untapped potential in sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, where connectivity directly ties to efficiency. For instance, better signal in hospitals can improve patient care coordination, while in manufacturing, it can streamline supply chain communications. Smaller businesses might see a quicker impact since they often lack the resources to work around poor connectivity, unlike larger firms. If targeted solutions are rolled out, that £3 billion figure could absolutely be within reach.
How does improving indoor connectivity align with the broader goals of the Digital Strategy for Wales, launched four years ago?
The Digital Strategy for Wales is all about enhancing digital access to strengthen the economy and modernize public services, and indoor connectivity fits perfectly into that vision. Poor signal indoors is a specific infrastructure gap that, if addressed, directly supports the strategy’s aim of boosting productivity and digital inclusion. While progress has been made in some areas, there’s still a long way to go in prioritizing indoor solutions as part of the broader digital infrastructure push, but it’s a tangible step toward meeting those overarching goals.
Can you share some insights on success stories like Grange University Hospital and Principality Stadium, where indoor connectivity has been enhanced?
Sure, these are great examples of what’s possible. Grange University Hospital implemented a distributed antenna system (DAS) that ensures all operators’ signals reach everyone inside—staff, patients, and visitors alike. Principality Stadium, on the other hand, rolled out 5G connectivity, which has transformed the experience for fans and event organizers with faster, more reliable service. These upgrades mean fewer dropped connections and better real-time communication, whether it’s a doctor coordinating care or a stadium managing crowd logistics. They show how targeted tech can make a huge difference.
What role do dedicated indoor systems play in solving connectivity challenges, and how do they work?
Dedicated indoor systems, like DAS or small cell networks, are game-changers for problem areas within buildings. They’re strategically installed in places like offices or public venues to extend mobile signals from all operators into spaces where coverage would otherwise be weak. Essentially, they act as a bridge, pulling in external signals and distributing them evenly indoors. This ensures that whether you’re in a basement conference room or a crowded retail center, you’re still connected. They’re a practical, scalable solution for many of Wales’s indoor blackspots.
What is your forecast for the future of indoor mobile connectivity in Wales over the next few years?
I’m optimistic about the future, provided there’s sustained focus and investment. Over the next few years, I expect to see more organizations in Wales adopting dedicated indoor systems as awareness of their economic impact grows. We’ll likely see public-private partnerships ramp up to tackle blackspots, especially in key sectors like healthcare and education. With technology like 5G becoming more widespread, the potential for seamless indoor connectivity is huge, and I believe Wales has a real chance to lead the way in showing how digital infrastructure can drive economic and social progress.
