Rental housing operators have an obligation to supply or facilitate reliable wireless internet service for their communities. With an increasingly mobile workforce, Wi-Fi connectivity has become a necessity for renters. During the 2023 Apartmentalize session, “Ask the Experts: Managed Wi-Fi, Bulk Wi-Fi and Connectivity Infrastructure,” presenters broke down the different options available to operators, and the benefits of community-wide connectivity.
The session stressed the importance of creating the best possible resident experience when making Wi-Fi decisions. Residents demand connectivity in their homes from the point of move-in, not a week or two down the road when an appointment can be scheduled with the cable company.
“We're shifting as an industry because residents are now connecting all kinds of devices to their Wi-Fi,” said panelist Rob Gayle, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Carroll. “They’re connecting everything from their Roomba to their TVs, to their speakers to their thermostats, to whatever. They want those things set up on Day One.”
Various Wi-Fi solutions — bulk, managed or retail — include varying set-up processes and renter benefits. The session, featuring Quarterra Director of Community Technology Justin Foster and Venterra Realty Director of Ancillary Services Josh Delzell, emphasized that Wi-Fi service can be a determining factor for prospective residents.
- Retail Wi-Fi enables residents to individually select and change providers and service levels, though the price point is typically higher and requires a modem and cable connection in each home, as well as separate service and hardware for common areas.
- Bulk Wi-Fi provides internet service for each apartment home, typically at an optimal price due to economy of scale, though it removes provider choice from residents. Each home is equipped with a modem and cable connection, as are common areas and offices.
- Managed Wi-Fi is similar to bulk but provides a more robust experience for residents, staff and guests. Residents can maneuver throughout the entire community on the same network without any downtime. The property staff can have their own dedicated network for mobile maintenance, and prospects can use the network for enhanced self-guided tours.
Onsite teams, like residents, have an increasing dependency on Wi-Fi for their daily work-life needs, making reliable Wi-Fi an essential amenity. When it comes to Wi-Fi service, low cost and connection speed are the two must-haves for residents and the most compelling selling points for prospects. Ultimately, operators must select the option that best meets resident demands while also creating a strong network to support onsite teams and smart building technology. The session encouraged operators to consider the capital commitments and anticipated returns that accompany their selected service level.
Also, while Wi-Fi infrastructure installation during development is relatively simple, retrofitting existing communities to managed service is more complicated. Panelists said the due diligence process is critical during retrofits, as is the longevity and adaptability of the chosen system. Strategic Wi-Fi implementation can deliver on all fronts or fail to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s multifamily communities if not done correctly.
Doug Pike is a Content Specialist at LinnellTaylor Marketing.