By: Rush Blakely

In November, we informed our clients about California Governor Newsom’s signing of AB1414 into law.  Beginning January 1, 2026, California renters have the right to opt out of bulk internet plans, thus dramatically changing the landscape for owner-sponsored Internet and managed Wi-Fi agreements statewide.

As announced in our newsletter, RealtyCom is working closely with Davis Craig, PLLC, Hubacher, Ames & Taylor, PLLC and our clients to include protections in new agreements that allow future flexibility should bulk programs be negatively impacted by regulation. Most importantly, RealtyCom has been in discussions with many of the service providers on how they will assist owners to ensure wireless and wired connectivity is turned off for opted-out units.

As one can imagine, this is a big undertaking between the operations and finance teams, attorneys, and different state laws to consider. Unfortunately, most providers are still working to establish internal protocols around reporting of opted out units, timing for disconnection, and any physical requirements to turn off those units. Some have agreed, in principle, to discount bulk billing fees (subject to a cap). While others have contemplated a mandatory renegotiation or an optional conversion into a traditional retail environment where residents secure […]

Your 2025 Holiday Tech Gift Guide Has Arrived!
If you’re looking for a little shopping inspiration, our annual Tech Gift Guide has you covered. We’ve gathered the year’s standout tech gifts—practical picks, wow-factor favorites, and smart upgrades for everyone on your list.

• CATCH:3 Wireless Charging Valet
• Sound Burger Portable Turntable
• DOT Digital Business Cards
• Samsung The Frame TV
• Petcube Bites 2 Lite
• AeroGarden Harvest 2.0

Happy Holidays from RealtyCom Partners!

By: Rush Blakely and Cristy Boucher

Our team just returned from one of the most forward-thinking industry conferences of the year – one that continues to signal a major shift in how multifamily owners and operators need to be thinking about connectivity, Managed Wi-Fi, and the regulatory environment surrounding bulk services.

Our conversations with more than 20 service providers, combined with sessions led by industry experts, reinforced one message: the landscape is changing fast, and owners who understand these shifts will be best positioned to deliver a better resident experience while protecting operational and financial outcomes.

Below are our top three takeaways in case you missed the event, along with insights into where providers are headed in 2026 and why states are becoming the new drivers of telecom regulation.

1. Legislative Knowledge Is Now a Competitive Advantage

If one theme dominated our discussions at this year’s conference, it was the accelerating pace of legislative and regulatory change. New and emerging state laws governing bulk and Managed Wi-Fi deployments – particularly around fees, resident opt-outs, and what owners can or cannot charge – are reshaping the way communities must structure their service agreements. Expect continued scrutiny of:

• bulk billing agreements
• owner chargebacks
• resident opt-out rights

[…]