How Part 20 Consumer Repeaters Can Accelerate Enterprise 5G Adoption for Small Businesses
full responsibility for funding their own signal sources in addition to repeaters or distributed
antenna systems (DAS), which is a significant cost. One of the few exceptions to this rule is major consumer destinations near global sporting events such as the Super Bowl or World Cup. As enterprises are now responsible for bearing the full expense, the need for cost-effective solutions is more critical than ever. To address these financial challenges, other
funding models have emerged to help enterprises deploy in-building wireless networks without solely relying on upfront hardware spend (however, they are best suited for mid-sized or large companies):
Managed Services Model If purchasing and owning a DAS or repeater for in-building connectivity were similar to buying property, then the managed service model would be like renting an apartment. A third-party provider installs and maintains the network while the
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COVER ARTICLE By Sun Kim
The growth of enterprise 5G deployments is one of the most pressing priorities for the wireless industry this year. This is not exclusive to large corporate campuses either—it extends to the “middleprise” and small businesses. It was evident during Mobile World Congress (MWC) Las Vegas 2024, one of the industry's premier annual wireless events, that major players are actively seeking ways to reduce costs and streamline installation to accelerate in-building cellular adoption. A show that used to be heavily carrier-focused has now balanced more evenly between enterprises, wireless operators, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Many different wireless approaches are being touted to support this initiative from small cells to private wireless networks, but one of the most effective ways for small businesses is by leveraging Part 20 consumer repeaters.
enterprise pays a recurring fee. This reduces the initial capital investment and shifts the responsibility of network management to specialized service providers, ensuring continuous support and upgrades. It is another recurring bill to pay in perpetuity as long as the system is being utilized, which can be more costly over a long time than a more traditional deployment.
Neutral-Host Model With neutral host DAS, third-party infrastructure
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providers build, own, and maintain the wireless system, leasing access to multiple carriers. Enterprises benefit from improved indoor coverage without assuming full financial responsibility, while mobile carriers share the cost of deployment. This model is common in large venues like airports, stadiums, and shopping malls where carriers are incentivized to have excellent signal strength to best represent their brand for thousands
THE SHIFT TOWARD ENTERPRISE RESPONSIBILITY IN 5G DEPLOYMENT The way in which wireless networks are funded has undergone a significant transformation, making it more difficult for enterprises to invest in cellular technology. Before bring-your-own-device (BYOD) democratized cellular usage in offices and venues, mobile carriers were heavily incentivized to front the cost for both a signal source and the cellular infrastructure. This is because enterprises would then
to millions of guests frequenting the establishments. The enterprises that benefit from this model are located in the general area of major landmarks.
be “locked in” to that carrier's network and purchase carrier-specific phones and services. Now, enterprises are mostly expected to take
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ICT TODAY
April/May/June 2025
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