By Rush Blakely

Rush Blakely, President & CEO of RealtyCom Partners, recently sat down with our friends and founders of George Stephens, LLC, to discuss the benefits of VoIP phone systems in apartment communities. Our companies have worked together over the years with many clients to not only increase ancillary revenue opportunities and bring new technologies to your communities, but to reduce telecom expenses and business service costs for your leasing offices and operations teams. Robert George and Dan Stephens work with all types of organizations and below is some helpful information as you consider VoIP systems:

Rush:  Can you tell me a bit about your backgrounds?

Dan:  I have a background that started in operations management with a Fortune 500 company.  I made my foray into telecommunications in 2009 working for a regional provider.  I went on to sell managed communications services before co-founding George Stephens, LLC in 2011.

Robert:  I have worked in the technology field since 1997, and enjoy the inherent problem-solving  aspect of telecommunications.

Rush:  Can you tell me a bit about George Stephens, LLC?

Dan:  George Stephens, LLC was founded in 2011.  It serves as a telecommunications advisory firm for businesses and organizations of various sizes.  Our team maintains a provider-neutral […]

By Mike Manfredi

Most of the new construction projects RealtyCom is involved with are rich in amenities – enormous fitness centers, clubhouses with movie theatres, rooftop decks and social spaces, pools, coworking spaces, dog parks, and game rooms are but a few of the most popular amenities we see.  Residents expect these community spaces to be connected and a place for entertainment, so it’s not a surprise we spend the most time with assisting our clients with respect to High-Definition TV screens located in these areas.  Some of the projects we are currently involved with have 20+ televisions!  For an owner, the costs to provide these services can add up quickly.

When it comes to providing live television service to these screens, RealtyCom works with the telecom providers to minimize materials, installation and recurring expenses to our Clients.  This involves negotiating as many complimentary accounts as possible into the agreements, as well as allocating these complimentary accounts based on where the wiring for the televisions terminate.  For example, Provider #1 might offer complimentary live television to eight (8) screens; provided however, that all these screens are wired back to the same IDF Closet or AV Room. Provider #2 might offer two (2) […]

By Kelly Larsen

Wi-Fi is truly the unsung hero 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 three other categories of owner-sponsored Wi-Fi that help your properties and residents stay connected:

• Internet Ready – a no-cost option, this is a Wi-Fi router setup in the apartment for convenience when a new resident moves in, so they can connect and sign up for services in minutes without a technician appointment or picking up equipment.
• In Unit Modem-Based Wi-Fi – traditionally referred to as bulk Internet, with this option there is no construction, in-unit access or capital expense to owner. The owner can either include this service in the rent or pass on a reduced Internet rate to residents, in exchange for buying service for the entire property. There are various ways residents can obtain equipment and their Wi-Fi network is limited to their home only.
• Property […]