Telecom service offerings in multifamily continue to transform to meet the demands of today’s residents. We want to take the opportunity to update an article we’ve previously posted with the latest provider offerings and to educate our clients about relatively new products you may begin to hear about in our industry.  

Wi-Fi is truly the unsung hero of holding the modern household together. From streaming TV and working from home, to powering your smart thermostat or Roomba – Wi-Fi is a must-have. Under a traditional choice model where the owner may or may not have a marketing agreement in place with the telecom provider, each resident is purchasing their own wireless modem or renting it from the provider themselves. However, there are many other categories of owner-sponsored Wi-Fi that help your properties and residents stay connected:

Internet Ready – a no-cost option, this is when a modem and/or Wi-Fi router is set up in the apartment providing added convenience when a new resident moves in, they can connect and sign up for services in minutes without a technician appointment or picking up equipment.  The modem or router can be permanently or semi-permanently installed or could be free-standing.

In Unit Modem-Based Wi-Fi – traditionally […]

By: Rush Blakely and Bob Reiss

Open Access Networks (OANs) aim to transform the way internet service is delivered to consumers. Unlike traditional models where a single provider owns and delivers both the physical network and manages the service, OANs allow multiple internet service providers (ISPs) to operate on the same shared infrastructure, often funded and built by a local municipality, private company, or public-private partnership. This model not only reduces costs and fosters competition among providers, but expands internet access to underserved communities. In this blog, we’ll explore how OANs work, why they matter, and where they’re already making an impact across the U.S.

What are Open Access Networks? 

Open Access Networks (OANs) are an emerging model where the physical infrastructure, deployment, and broadband service delivery are decoupled. Unlike your cable and internet provider, which owns its distribution lines and equipment and provides broadband services to its consumers, OANs are first built by a private company or municipality and offer multiple service providers the opportunity to provide services on the network for residents and businesses.

Why do Open Access Networks Work? 

• Infrastructure Sharing Reduces Costs
  By consolidating physical infrastructure, OANs eliminate the need for each ISP to build its own, individual network, […]

By: Phil Veletzos

You may have seen that current FCC Chairman Brendan Carr removed from consideration an effort by the Biden-Harris administration to weaken bulk internet contracts by adding “opt-out” provisions. While this is certainly good news for multifamily property owners seeking higher telecom/data revenues, more state and local regulations have been enacted or proposed that could still impact the operation of bulk data contracts and the revenues they may generate.

RealtyCom Partners offers the following survey of recent State and Federal rules that may impact infrastructure, service provider negotiations, and operations in multifamily properties. This summary is based on our practical experience in the multiple dwelling unit (MDU), telecom, and technology industries. RealtyCom Partners is not a law firm and therefore this is not legal advice. We strongly recommend our clients consult with a knowledgeable attorney to understand relevant local laws that may impact broadband access deployment and chargebacks.