Mayor of London Boris Johnson this week announced the introduction of a new “Connectivity Rating Scheme”, rating the quality of the internet connections in large buildings around London on a Platinum – Certified scale.
For many businesses, the internet is essential. More and more work is now done over the internet and yet many businesses are in locations where fibre and superfast connections are unavailable, potentially hampering business productivity and success. The Connectivity Rating Scheme aims to encourage building developers to improve internet connectivity in their commercial buildings, and to allow prospective tenants to be better informed and make better choices when searching for a space for their business. It is operated by WiredScore as part of their Wired Certification programme, which also sees buildings in Boston, New York, and other American cities rated.
The information gathered about each building includes what connections are available (ADSL, fibre, etc.), whether Wi-Fi is present, and information about space and facilities for cabling and power solutions. The scheme’s effectiveness is hampered slightly however by the fact it offers no information on potential connectivity speeds, which for many would be a key selling point for a building. The scheme’s requirements for each rating is also vague – while Certified is described as requiring “internet services that meet normal business requirements”, Gold and Platinum are discussed less clearly.
Tenants and developers alike are encouraged to take the Connectivity Survey on the WiredScore website to take the first steps towards getting a building certified. The survey is free to take, though later steps in the certification process do carry a fee, dependent on the size of the property being certified.