Rising demand for artificial intelligence applications and high-performance digital connectivity is driving building owners and operators to prioritize next-generation wireless infrastructure, according to a new report from Cisco.
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A survey of more than 6,000 wireless professionals found that organizations increasingly view Wi-Fi as a strategic asset rather than a basic utility. As AI adoption accelerates and tenants demand faster, more reliable connectivity, investments in advanced wireless systems are becoming critical to building performance and value.
“The business case for Wi-Fi investment is now undeniable,” Cisco said, noting that strategic wireless upgrades are delivering operational improvements, increased employee productivity and enhanced customer experiences across industries.
According to the report, about three-quarters of surveyed professionals said wireless investments have led to operational gains, while roughly two-thirds reported positive revenue impacts. Over the past five years, nearly 80% of organizations increased their wireless spending, and 82% expect budgets to continue rising.
Connectivity is also emerging as a key differentiator in commercial real estate. Data from WiredScore shows that buildings with certified digital infrastructure command rental premiums averaging $6.50 per square foot and maintain vacancy rates around 3.8%.
As a result, building operators are accelerating deployments of advanced Wi-Fi technologies and distributed antenna systems (DAS) to meet growing performance expectations and support AI-driven operations.
However, these upgrades are not without challenges. Organizations face increasing complexity, heightened cybersecurity risks and a shortage of skilled IT professionals needed to manage advanced wireless networks.
The report highlights that AI-generated cyberattacks — often originating from compromised Internet of Things devices — are becoming a leading threat to wireless systems. Approximately one-third of organizations reported financial losses tied to wireless security incidents involving IoT or operational technology.
At the same time, nearly 90% of wireless leaders said they struggle to compete with opportunities in AI and cybersecurity when hiring talent, limiting their ability to fully leverage new infrastructure investments.
Legacy systems are also creating a performance gap. While Wi-Fi 5 remains the most widely used standard, its limitations are becoming apparent as organizations attempt to scale AI-driven applications that require higher bandwidth and lower latency.
To address these challenges, more than 75% of organizations are either deploying or planning to deploy next-generation standards such as Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 within the next year.
“Legacy Wi-Fi simply can’t scale high-bandwidth and low-latency needs, especially in device-dense environments,” Cisco said, pointing to a surge in adoption of newer access points across its global network footprint.
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Beyond enterprise offices, next-generation connectivity is being deployed across large infrastructure environments. For example, American Tower recently completed a 5G distributed antenna system at Pittsburgh International Airport, providing seamless connectivity across terminals, concourses and operational areas.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for modern travel and airport operations,” said Deepak Nayyar. “This optimized network infrastructure is a key part of our commitment to innovation and operational excellence.”
As AI adoption continues to expand and tenant expectations evolve, industry experts say building owners must rethink their digital infrastructure strategies to remain competitive.
Originally reported by Joe Burns, Reporter in Facilities Dive.
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