Mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for the productivity and satisfaction of occupants in any modern building. However, ensuring perfect coverage comes at a cost, and it is often much higher than the initial investment alone. Between heavy active infrastructures like DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) and innovative passive technologies like WAVETHRU, the long-term budgetary implications are radically different. Let’s analyze the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to make an informed choice.
1. CAPEX: The Initial Investment, a First Major Gap
The initial investment (CAPEX) is the first point of comparison.
- A multi-operator DAS system is a complete infrastructure. It requires complex radio studies, agreements with operators, technical bays, amplifiers, kilometers of cables, and antennas. For a 10,000 m² building, the investment typically ranges between €160,000 and €330,000.
- WAVETHRU technology, on the other hand, does not create a network but makes the building’s glazing permeable to existing waves. After a radio audit, the treatment is applied by laser directly on-site. The investment is 3 to 5 times cheaper, ranging between €65,000 and €135,000.
2. OPEX: The Recurring Costs That Make All the Difference
It is with the operating expenses (OPEX) that the gap widens spectacularly over 10 years.
- A DAS system is energy-intensive. It consumes between 1 and 3 kW continuously, resulting in an annual energy bill of €2,000 to €6,000. Furthermore, it requires mandatory annual maintenance (updates, checks) costing between €5,000 and €12,000 per year. Over 10 years, the OPEX for a DAS can reach €70,000 to €180,000.
- WAVETHRU is a passive solution. Once the treatment is applied, there is no equipment to power and no parts to maintain. The OPEX is therefore €0.
3. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 10 years: The Ultimate Benchmark
By adding up CAPEX and OPEX over a decade, the result is undeniable for a 10,000 m² building:
- Total DAS Cost: €230,000 – €510,000
- Total WAVETHRU Cost: €65,000 – €135,000
Calculated per square meter, WAVETHRU represents a cost of €6.5 to €13/m² over 10 years, compared to €23 to €51/m² for a DAS. Beyond the substantial savings, choosing a passive solution means opting for simplicity, budget predictability, and enhancing the value of your asset without the burden of operating expenses. It is a strategic choice that drastically reduces the real estate budget while providing a sustainable and effective solution.
