MobileCorp wins Nextivity elite partner status in Australia

MobileCorp has been awarded Elite Partner Status by Nextivity, placing the Australian telecommunications provider in a select group of partners for Nextivity coverage products in Australia.

The designation recognises MobileCorp's work on in-building mobile coverage projects, including distributed antenna system installations delivered over more than a decade. Nextivity said the programme is reserved for partners it considers to have strong technical expertise and a consistent delivery record.

The new status gives MobileCorp priority access to Nextivity's technical development team and will allow it to provide input into planning for in-building coverage deployments in Australia, according to the company.

The companies discussed demand in the Australian market for indoor mobile coverage and Internet of Things sensor systems during a visit by Nextivity executives to MobileCorp earlier this year. Attendees included Nextivity Chief Executive Officer Michiel Lotter, Vice President of Sales, Oceania & APAC Thomas Cooper, and Regional Sales Director Oceania Ala'a Samir.

The partnership comes as suppliers of indoor wireless equipment look to tie mobile connectivity more closely to building management and sensor networks. Mobile coverage inside offices, commercial sites and other buildings remains a persistent issue for businesses that rely on mobile devices for communications and operations.

Product Plans

One area under discussion was Nextivity's move into smart server systems that combine distributed antenna infrastructure with sensor functions. MobileCorp said planned QUATRA hardware will be able to collect and distribute sensor data as well as support mobile signal distribution.

According to MobileCorp, the approach is intended to simplify deployments in complex sites or buildings where installation access is limited. Proposed use cases include security, asset tracking, inventory management and environmental monitoring.

By combining indoor signal distribution with sensor data aggregation, businesses may be able to reduce the amount of separate infrastructure needed across a site. This could be particularly relevant for smaller organisations, which often face tighter budgets and more limited access to specialist installation work than large enterprises.

MobileCorp tied the announcement to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, arguing that better indoor coverage can affect day-to-day productivity. It added that integrated sensor systems could give customers more operational data from the same installation footprint.

Peter Jonson, General Manager of Sales & Managed Services at MobileCorp, described the designation as recognition of a long-standing relationship between the two companies. "It is a delight to be recognised by Nextivity as an Elite Partner," Jonson said. "We have worked with Nextivity for over a decade, delivering innovative in-building coverage solutions in Australia, and improving the productivity and revenue streams of many hard-working small businesses. With this recognition, it motivates us to work harder to continue to expand on our offering, with some exciting innovations in the pipeline."

Coverage Debate

Discussions between the companies also touched on changes to Australia's universal service framework. MobileCorp said proposed strengthening of the rules through a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation could set a clearer minimum standard for access to mobile coverage.

While the current focus is on outdoor service, MobileCorp expects the policy debate to raise questions about indoor coverage standards as well. It pointed to building code rules in other countries as a possible reference point if policymakers and property managers begin to examine mobile signal access inside buildings more closely.

Weak indoor coverage can affect not only calls and messaging but also security devices, mobile point-of-sale systems and workforce communications. In sectors such as warehousing, hospitality and healthcare, connectivity issues inside buildings can have direct operational consequences.

Local Market

MobileCorp said its position in the market is shaped by its history as an Australian-owned business focused on mobility services. It has operated in the sector for more than 37 years and works with local carriers and international hardware suppliers.

Its broader business includes in-building coverage, enterprise wireless, managed mobility services, data and IP services, and device security. Nextivity is known for its CEL-FI line of cellular coverage products, which it says are authorised by carriers and approved for legal use in Australia.

Stephen Aravopoulos, Managing Director of MobileCorp, said the company sees technology shifts as central to its growth. "MobileCorp has a long history, and we have been constantly innovating to help our customers take advantage of technology shifts," Aravopoulos said. "I believe in finding people who love tech as much as I do and then empowering them to bring their curiosity and talent to the table."