We all place a high value on technology amenities—including having fast and reliable internet. From working, gaming, entertainment, and smart home technology, internet connectivity plays an integral role in your residents’ everyday routines.

At RealtyCom Partners, we understand that providing the most current and reliable technology services is a key factor in attracting and retaining residents. One of the best ways to understand your residents’ technology needs is to ask for feedback. Here are questions you can add to your resident surveys to better understand their needs:

1. What level of internet speed are you currently purchasing? Is this sufficient for your household needs?
Understanding the current internet speed your residents need for their daily use will guide decisions about what providers to bring to your property, and identify if they are experiencing any speed issues or if the property requires an upgrade.

2. Do you believe the internet services you pay for are a good value? 
While this is a subjective question, this will help you understand your resident’s level of satisfaction with the technology options offered in your community. 

3. Who is your current service provider? Is there another service option you’d […]

As the telecom marketplace becomes more complex with diverse product offerings and business models, service provider proposals have become increasingly complex. To help multifamily property owners streamline the process, RealtyCom Partners has compiled some tips to keep in mind when evaluating and comparing service providers. 

1. Have a clearly defined vision
To begin, know what you are looking for. Are you looking for service providers that provide a retail (resident paid) or bulk (owner paid) program? Do you want property-wide Managed Wi-Fi or a more traditional common area coverage? Will you need to leverage the service provider’s network for smart apartment devices or can your smart tech function independently? These are just a few things you’ll need to consider.

From the beginning, having a global perspective on your property’s needs will help you evaluate options and ultimately select the right provider for the asset. 

2. Define the service you need
When it comes to service, it’s best to have a clear picture of what you are expecting from a provider. Does the provider have a good reputation for providing reliable service? Do they offer various package options with different speed tiers and pricing? […]

In a high-demand, high-speed world, fiber optic internet has become the new gold standard for connectivity. Ensuring residents have access to the highest speed and most reliable internet will provide an enormous competitive edge to your property.

While there are several pros to offering fiber, planning for the future and ensuring the proper infrastructure is in place are essential to minimize potential complications, thereby future-proofing the infrastructure as the internet continues to evolve.

To be prepared for the installation of services, it is important to have your design, irrigation, and electrical plans available. Often, the contractors working on-site will need to review and get a more in-depth understanding of the property before the installation begins. Ownership should ensure the service provider and contractors have these plans well in advance to help avoid future mishaps. Following these steps may help lead to new ways to increase efficiency and will assist in crafting the best plan to bring fiber to the property.

Here are the top 5 tips when preparing to bring fiber to your property:

1. Have an as-built design plan available to the contractor/provider.

2. If molding is used to cover the cable/conduit, determine if materials/colors are available and who is responsible for painting, if […]