Huge Group

Cellular Connectivity Solutions for Corporate Offices

Huge Group Ltd is focused on unlocking opportunities in South Africa through the strategic acquisition and agglomeration of powerful and independently successful, yet complementary companies. Currently, two of Huge Group’s subsidiary companies, Huge Telecoms and Huge Connect, are of the largest providers of fixed GSM telecommunication connectivity, messaging solutions (SMS) and secure payment (POS) system solutions for corporations in South Africa.

 

The Problem

Cellular signal in the Huge Group Melrose Arch office was weak throughout their office area. The cell signal in the boardroom, meeting room, and main offices were exceptionally weak, therefore to make or receive a phone call one had to go outside.

Vodacom and MTN signal was particularly problematic in their offices. Due to the cylindrical shape of the building and other high rise buildings in the area, adequate cellular signal was not able to reach or penetrate the office areas.

The Solution

The install team needed 2 intensive days to complete installation including a detailed site survey & pre-install checkup, installation, and post-installation support. A high gain outdoor omni-directional antenna was used as the donor antenna and was placed on top of the roof. Bolton600 gauge cable was run from the antenna into the basement and routed to the office wing.

It was important to maintain the stylish interior of the offices without sacrificing cellular performance. The install team used discreet flat dome antennas that blended in well with the ceiling while still providing exceptional signal improvement. 

Vodacom signal was -105dBm LTE throughout the office, and increased by 22.4dB on average in the different office areas. The current signal average is  -82,4dB. Strong reception in all areas on the vodacom network was achieved.

Vodacom Improvements

• CEO Office: from -106dBm to -86dBm → +20dB

• COO Office: from -107dBm to -82dBm → +25dB

• Main Boardroom: from -112dBm to -88dBm → +24dB

• Meeting Room: from -105dBm to -76dBm → +29dB

• Rear Offices: from -94dBm to -80dBm → +14dB

 

MTN signal was the weakest from all the networks measured in the building, and at -111dBm to -114dBm in some areas there were complete dead zones in the building. The average signal increased by 17.2dB, which means that one can now make or receive calls or texts effortlessly on the MTN network while in the office.

MTN Improvements

• CEO Office: from -111dBm to -92dBm → +19dB

• COO Office: from -102dBm to -90dBm → +12dB

• Main Boardroom: from -114dBm to -84dBm → +30dB

• Meeting Room: from -106dBm to -97dBm → +9dB

• Rear Offices: from -104dBm to -88dBm → +16dB

 Cell C signal was relatively poor before the installation, and we saw the biggest improvement on this network. An average dB gain of 29.4dB was achieved throughout the office and the main boardrooms signal went from -110 (almost dead zone) to a relatively strong -78dB.

Cell C Improvements

• CEO Office: from -101dBm to -71dBm → +30dB

• COO Office: from -97dBm to -68dBm → +29dB

• Main Boardroom: from -110dBm to -78dBm → +32dB

• Meeting Room: from -103dBm to -77dBm → +26dB

• Rear Offices: from -99dBm to -69dBm → +30dB

Signal on the Telkom network was fairly good before the installation, however we still improved signal across all areas with an average of 8dB gain.

Telkom Improvements

• CEO Office: from -67dBm to -61dBm → +6dB

• COO Office: from -69dBm to -63dBm → +6dB

• Main Boardroom: from -93dBm to -81dBm → +12dB

• Meeting Room: from -75dBm to -73dBm → +3dB

• Rear Offices: from -81dBm to -67dBm → +14dB

The Results

• The difference in cellular coverage is substantial. From dead-zones, frequently dropped calls to strong, reliable reception all-around.
• The average dB gain across all four networks is 20 dB. To put this in perspective, signal gain is an exponential function with every 3dB gain a doubling of signal strength. This means that the signal strength doubled over 6 times.
• Before people had to step outside to make a call. Now everybody inside can make and receive calls.