TECHNICAL SPOTLIGHT
Prevention vs Cure: A tale of two projects
When it comes to mobile signal, timing is everything. Whether we’re designing it in from day one or retrofitting it under pressure, the approach you take shapes the entire experience — for project teams, building managers, and ultimately, the end user.
At Pan RF, we’ve delivered both. And the difference is striking.
Cure in practice: The Savoy Hotel
Our work at The Savoy highlights the cost of addressing signal needs after the fact.
In this case, the hotel needed a DAS solution installed well after opening. While the technical delivery was smooth — thanks to excellent collaboration with the landlord and hotel team — the logistics were far more complex. Areas of the hotel had to be closed off during installation, directly impacting revenue as guests were unable to access affected zones.
Every element, from cabling to post-installation surveys, had to be meticulously timed around a live, premium hospitality environment — adding pressure to an already busy operational schedule.
The result? A successful installation, but not without cost — both financially and in terms of disruption.
Prevention in practice: The Old War Office
For the redevelopment of The Old War Office — a landmark London building transformed into a luxury hotel and residences — Pan RF was involved early, during the planning and M&E design phase.
This forward-thinking approach meant mobile connectivity could be designed into the very fabric of the building. Working closely with the design team, we modelled the layout, materials, and expected usage to develop a fully integrated Distributed Antenna System (DAS).
With cable runs installed during construction and antennas discreetly embedded within the architecture, the result was a robust, invisible mobile signal solution — delivered without disruption, downtime, or design compromise.
The result? Seamless coverage from day one. No guest impact, no lost revenue, and no need to revisit finished spaces.
The Takeaway: plan signal like you plan power or water
Both projects delivered strong outcomes — but only one avoided downtime, disruption, and financial impact.
Designing mobile coverage in from the start protects your timeline, budget, and guest experience. Retrofitting, while possible, always comes at a cost.
Mobile signal should be part of the plan — not a patch-up job.
If you’re planning a project and want to get mobile signal right from the start – or you’re facing issues in an existing building – our team is here to help.