Skanska CDE has become the first company in Poland to introduce a Neutral Host In-Building (NHIB) connectivity infrastructure model, based on the BTS Hotel, in its office development. StarNet Telecom, in cooperation with technology partner VECTOR, is responsible for the design and implementation of the infrastructure.
In the NHIB model for the BTS Hotel, there is no need to install separate base stations for each operator in the building. The radio infrastructure providing mobile phone coverage is centralised outside of Studio A, and the signal is sent via optical fibre to this specific property. This type of central hub can serve several buildings across all frequency bands used by telecommunications operators – including the latest generation such as 5G.
“In Poland, Skanska is the first office developer to introduce this solution, which optimises mobile phone coverage in buildings. Studio A is also becoming a kind of laboratory for new technologies. We believe that innovation can thrive if it is implemented – so we create the space for it. This is not the only modern solution in our Warsaw investment – we are also implementing a digital twin supported by AI algorithms and web-based mobile solutions (Apple/Google Wallet) for seamless and secure access,” says Rafał Kot, Technical Quality Expert at Skanska Commercial Development Europe.
Long-term innovations in the office building
At Studio A, full mobile phone coverage was available from its operational inception, regardless of the building’s occupancy level. Tenants could access it even during their office relocation phase, a situation uncommon in the office market and within the traditional telecommunications infrastructure model. Concurrently, the office building is equipped to accommodate all GSM mobile network operators, responding to tenant requirements.
“The deployment of the NHIB model at Studio A demonstrates that mobile connectivity is transitioning from a technical challenge in office properties to a critical standard for modern business operations. Furthermore, from a developer’s perspective, the building does not require long-term intervention in its telecom infrastructure or additional construction work as networks evolve and new connectivity standards emerge. This constitutes another significant advantage of this model,” comments Mateusz Gluz, Senior Project Leader at Skanska Commercial Development Europe.
“The implementation at the Studio A complex illustrates that the Neutral Host model is no longer merely a technological concept but is evolving into a practical infrastructure tool for the real estate market. We are pleased that the first commercial deployment in a Polish office building was realised in partnership with Skanska, a collaborator with whom we have been developing telecommunications infrastructure for modern properties for many years. This project confirms that mobile connectivity can now be designed with greater efficiency, scalability, and preparedness for future technological standards,” adds Przemysław Pawłowski, CEO of StarNet Telecom.
Multi-layer optimization
The centralisation inherent in the BTS Hotel concept not only optimises the building’s spatial requirements compared to traditional models but also reduces the operational expenditure for a property like Studio A. Instead of numerous disparate telecommunications base stations, a unified shared infrastructure operates with optimised energy consumption. Simultaneously, the system autonomously adjusts its electrical power requirements based on the number of users and devices, meaning that the building’s energy consumption decreases whenever fewer people are present in the building.
The NHIB model also supports the acquisition or maintenance of building certification schemes, demonstrating a reduction in the building’s carbon footprint through on-site energy optimisation solutions.
The deployment at the Studio A complex sets a new direction for the commercial real estate market in Poland, underscoring that neutral host connectivity infrastructure can become an integral component of next-generation office investments.
