By:  Bob Reiss

Not all cabling is created equal.

While Fiber optic and Ethernet cabling have been a mainstay for new developments and rewires in multifamily, coax is more prevalent in existing communities across the country. Due to its wide availability and potential for upgrades, coax still has its place.

Fiber optic is decisively the fastest – with capabilities of 100 Gbps (100,000 Mbps) depending on your location/network and devices/equipment. Ethernet by comparison may provide 10 Gbps and is widely used in managed Wi-Fi deployments today. Despite these capabilities Service Providers generally offer consumers, your residents, 1-2 Gbps options today.

Coax provides similar access to 1-2 Gbps internet service, and the expectation is continued enhancement as the marketplace demands.  In fact, some providers have already done market testing of symmetrical multi-gig and 6 Gbps speeds as early as Q4 2022 using coax cable. There’s clearly good economic reasons to maintain and upgrade coax systems and invest in new technology like DOCSIS 4.0+, Managed Wi-Fi leveraging coax to reduce capex, and other Hybrid-Fiber-Coax solutions.

• Coax has by far the largest market share, being the most common home run wire type in existing communities.
• Leveraging existing coax for Managed Wi-Fi and other deployments […]
  

By:  Sarah Mabry

In the dynamic landscape of multi-family (MDU) property acquisitions and dispositions, one critical aspect of the process – that may often get overlooked – is the formal assignment or assumption of the existing telecom contracts that, when executed poorly, can negatively impact your bottom line.

At RealtyCom Partners, we take pride in facilitating a seamless ownership transfer, without imposing added fees. We offer personalized assistance to our clients with a dedicated point of contact who manages every step of the process until payments are transferred. In what can take months of follow up with the Service Providers, our goal is to minimize your time and effort, allowing you to focus on more important responsibilities.

Understanding the Formal Assumption Process

1. Initial Assessment: Before initiating the formal assumption process, we conduct a thorough assessment of the existing telecom contract. Our team reviews 90+ touchpoints in the contract, identifying key clauses for any potential risks or liabilities and revenue streams associated.
2. Notice of Sale to Service Provider: Providing timely notice to the Service Provider ensures a smooth transfer, and often there are specific notice requirements included in your contract to adhere to. Continuity in service and minimal disruption in recurring revenue […]
   

By:  Rush Blakely

I have written before about the Managed Wi-Fi Evolution, and how many of our clients are considering property-wide Managed Wi-Fi for their communities to enhance the resident experience, add management efficiency for property staff, and increase property value and NOI.  Perhaps the most important benefit is the foundational nature of an Owner-owned network for new proptech deployments and future flexibility.

Many companies provide Managed Wi-Fi services.  There are those who provide the circuit and backhaul “fiber in the ground” and those who provide the customer-facing products and support, as well as those who may act as intermediaries between the resident and service provider. As you consider whether Managed Wi-Fi is right for your assets, here are some of our takeaways to consider when choosing a provider:

• • Property Considerations – Choose providers that have significant experience with your property type. For example, garden-style properties can pose obstacles.  Often, they lack climate-controlled telecom closets at each building, opting instead for lockboxes or spaces that are not climate-controlled.  This can impact the Home Run cabling type used in the deployment.  In addition, proofing existing conduit structures or potentially installing new conduits between buildings may be required.  […]