Western

The landscape of multifamily Internet access is changing rapidly, driven by evolving resident expectations. No longer merely a utility, reliable Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections are essential for attracting and retaining residents, along with cutting operation costs. Expanding connectivity needs, work-from-home (WFH) culture and growing interest in smart-home applications are all driving residents’ Internet requirements. The centrality of Internet access for multifamily residents was inevitable in the long run, according to Bryan Rader, president of Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU) at Pavlov Media. COVID lockdowns accelerated an already burgeoning trend: bulk-managed Internet designed to improve connections and simplify growing demand. Bulk-managed connectivity offers a variety of solutions for on-site managers, residents and owners, as well as cost savings in unexpected areas. This approach provides building-wide Internet connections through a single provider, rather than asking residents to sign up individually with one of several Internet providers. The bulk Internet management company may also install and manage the building’s connection infrastructure. The simplicity of bulk-managed Internet (which started as bulk-managed Wi-Fi in student housing) is becoming increasingly practical for multifamily buildings. In the last four or five years, the traditional multifamily industry is starting to follow the same model that became standard in student housing …