OYSTER BAY, N.Y.-The market for in-building wireless networks will exceed $1 billion by the end of this decade, according to a new study from research firm ABI. The analyst firm expects the market to be driven by tough competition and “the battle for network supremacy.” Meanwhile, ABI warns further growth in in-building systems could be limited by increased operator control and deployment costs.
“Early on, operators were reluctant to cede network control to these [neutral-host] providers,” explained Edward Rerisi, vice president of research at ABI. “Now that macro networks are more complete and neutral host providers have a more realistic view on carrier revenue-sharing agreements, we are starting to see a resurgence in this business model.” ABI expects operators to continue to deploy carrier-owned infrastructure in large buildings like conference centers and sports arenas, but believes they will consider sharing infrastructure in smaller buildings.
