Key Considerations For Digital Transformation

Welcome back to the fifth and final section of our blog series looking at Wireless Connectivity and Digital Transformation.?In the last blog we talked about how best to leverage wireless applications to drive digital transformation for your organization.?In this blog we focus on four considerations an organization should look at to best build an infrastructure that can evolve over time to maximize digital transformation efforts.

Final Considerations

As you move forward in deploying transformational wireless applications, I have four considerations for you regarding wireless infrastructure purchase and build-out.

1.??????Build an infrastructure that can support changing frequency and tech requirements

What frequencies are required on day 1??What frequencies will you need in the future, and how easy will it be to add in C Band, CBRS, mmWave or other items??Don’t get caught with an unexpected issue that may cause you to prematurely rip and replace a system and incur huge unexpected costs. Thus, make sure a system can support:

• All of the 194MHz of the 2.5GHz spectrum because T-Mobile will likely require it
• All 280MHz of C-Band because Verizon and the carriers will likely require it
• CBRS either from day 1 or with an effective system enhancement (You may not have plans to deploy CBRS today, but don’t limit yourself in the future)
• AWS-4 frequency because DISH will likely become a significant player in the wireless industry and require it

Make sure a system can not only “enable,” but actually support the move from 4G to 5G such that changes in spectrum, latency, noise levels or other issues will not make the migration cost-prohibitive.

2.??????Don’t work in silos

The cellular and IT worlds are converging, yet most companies and vendors still have expertise in one or the other.?All things being equal, pick a services provider with expertise in both.?This will help drive efficiencies and build robust applications.?Data analytics applications, for example, benefit from domain knowledge in both cellular and IT spaces.

3.??????Evaluate long-term value potential

Certainly, you want a cost-effective system.?Comparing the short-term value of different deployment options is relatively straightforward.?Evaluating those same options over a longer period of time and understanding the total cost of ownership is much more difficult.?I would argue that the best way to understand long-term value for your organization is to consider:

• Initial deployment costs
• Maintenance and monitoring costs over a five- to ten-year period
• Expected longevity of the asset (different choices will result in different asset life spans)
• Application enablement (different choices will result in different application opportunities)
• Security (for instance, certain choices like deploying CBRS are more secure than others, like Wi-Fi)

4.??????Pick the right partners

The complexity of today’s wireless landscape combined with the complexity of digital transformation requires that organizations work with partners to advance and to succeed. We at Connectivity Wireless are ready to help you advance in exciting ways. We can:

• Manage the change for you. We provide thought leadership and guidance.
• Manage the cost side of the equation. Our solutions are offered at a monthly expense and can be incrementally rolled out over time.
• Manage the system. We can effectively monitor and maintain the system in ways that maximize its performance.
• Lead carrier onboarding and relationship management. Our team has very strong relationships with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
• Be trusted.?We have demonstrated expertise in “all things connectivity.”

Now armed with information, it’s time to act. And, it’s time to partner. My team at Connectivity Wireless is eager to help you with compelling transformation efforts. Contact us to learn what steps you can take today to move toward digital transformation for your property.?

About the Author:

Chris brings 25 years of sales, marketing, and new business development experience to the Connectivity Wireless team. As a senior executive working in the telecom, computer and technology industries, he contributes to the transformation of organizations through innovative enterprise-wide initiatives that build brand value and generate sustainable, profitable growth. As Chief Revenue Officer (Venues), Chris manages the business development efforts for Connectivity’s managed services business. Prior to Connectivity Wireless, Chris held multiple leadership positions at JMA Wireless, Corning, Sprint and AT&T.

Chris can be reached at 703 554 4502 and/or [email protected] if you have any questions.