By Indhira Desangles
Special for El Inmobiliario
In my experience as a commercial realtor in the Dominican Republic, advising companies seeking the perfect location for their operations goes far beyond finding the ideal square footage or strategic location. Today, one of the most critical issues for any business is telecommunications infrastructure. Connectivity, especially in business parks, can make the difference between agile and efficient operations and a daily grind filled with obstacles. In fact, recent studies show that 66% of companies in Latin America consider connectivity and on-premises technology as decisive factors when choosing their location. I want to share some experiences that have taught me to identify the key elements of this infrastructure, which have become the foundation of my recommendations for companies looking to establish themselves in the country.
The importance of telecommunications infrastructure
In a world where commerce, logistics, and business operations increasingly rely on real-time data and connected systems, the quality of telecommunications infrastructure is critical. Business parks must offer much more than just space; they need to be equipped to support high-speed connections, fiber optic availability, stable coverage, and the capacity to support technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and, soon, 5G networks.
In the Caribbean, where the Dominican Republic leads the growth of industrial and business parks, investment in telecommunications technology has grown by 25% in the last five years, reflecting the demand for technologically equipped spaces. Throughout my career, I've seen how companies that overlooked these aspects ended up facing costly complications. That's why, whenever I advise a client, I place special emphasis on connectivity. But how can we ensure we're choosing the right business park?
What I've learned along the way: what I recommend you do
1. Review current and future infrastructure
When evaluating a business park, I review not only its current infrastructure but also its technology expansion plans. Parks that are investing in fiber optics and are ready to adapt to higher-capacity networks give me peace of mind, and, of course, they give it to my clients as well. With 80% of companies prioritizing fiber optic connectivity in their facilities, this review is crucial.
2. Evaluate redundancy and backup capacity
Redundancy is crucial. I always recommend asking about backup infrastructure: from a dual internet service provider to alternative power systems. This ensures that, in the event of a failure, business operations are not affected. On average, network outages cost businesses up to $300,000 per hour—an expense easily avoidable with adequate backup.
3. Verify technical support and maintenance
The best equipment is useless without a competent team behind it to keep it running. I like to ensure that parks have readily available local technical support and a trained team that understands the needs of a modern business. Studies show that 87% of companies consider access to technical support in their leased spaces essential, a factor that strengthens operational security.
What I've learned along the way: what I recommend you don't do
1. Blindly trusting the promise of "future" connectivity
I've encountered business parks that promise short-term technological improvements, but then the project gets delayed or, worse, abandoned. That's why I recommend having the infrastructure available and operational from day one, or verifying well-documented implementation dates.
2. Business parks with no track record or reliable references
Experience counts. I prefer working with business parks that have a solid track record and references from other companies operating there. Promises without backing experience can be a red flag.
3. Skipping connectivity tests before closing the deal
Finally, I recommend running speed and connectivity tests with local providers. I've had clients discover too late that the connection wasn't as stable as promised. Pre-checking can save time, money, and, most importantly, frustration. 35% of businesses in the region report connectivity issues in their offices, a problem that can be avoided with early analysis.
The vision for the future
Connectivity in the Dominican Republic's business parks has enormous potential, especially as the country moves toward 5G adoption. By 2025, it is expected that 60% of businesses in Latin America will require advanced technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence in their operations, making business parks with robust infrastructure a priority investment. Companies that invest in this infrastructure and choose the right locations will have a considerable competitive advantage.
As a business realtor in the Dominican Republic, I am committed to guiding my clients toward informed decisions. Connectivity, redundancy, and support are my cornerstones when recommending a business park; I want my clients to establish themselves in a location where their business can grow and thrive seamlessly. I hope this experience serves as a guide to all those who are in the process of finding the ideal space for their company.
The author is: a real estate advisor specializing in commercial and corporate real estate, with more than 20 years of experience in the local market.
