Why Connectivity Is the New 'Location' in Commercial Real Estate

"In certain markets, reliable digital infrastructure and network access have overtaken location itself as the most critical feature, reshaping how real estate value is measured. For modern businesses, connectivity has moved beyond being a desirable feature and into the category of operational essentials. When companies evaluate where to locate or expand, infrastructure increasingly sits at the center of the decision."

"A study by Boldyn Networks surveying more than 2,000 business leaders across the United States and the United Kingdom found that connectivity now outweighs traditional considerations such as amenities and, in many cases, cost. While location still ranks as the top factor when choosing a space to lease, Wi-Fi connectivity followed closely behind, with cellular connectivity ranking just below it. In the United States alone, 96 percent of respondents said they would be willing to pay a higher lease price to secure reliable connectivity."

The traditional real estate principle of "location, location, location" is being fundamentally challenged by the emergence of digital infrastructure as a critical value driver. Connectivity has evolved from a desirable amenity to an operational necessity for modern businesses. Recent research from Boldyn Networks surveying over 2,000 business leaders in the U.S. and U.K. demonstrates that reliable Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity now rank among the top factors influencing business location decisions, often surpassing traditional considerations like amenities and cost. Notably, 96% of American respondents indicated willingness to pay higher lease prices specifically to secure dependable connectivity, recognizing its direct correlation with productivity and operational efficiency.

Read at Inc