The availability of high-speed Wi-Fi is an increasingly important consideration as apartment dwellers consider residences, according to a new report from Parks Associates and Comcast’s Xfinity.
In “Future-Ready: Planning for the Next 20 Years,” Comcast and Parks Associates say that — to stay competitive and adaptable over the coming decades — connectivity should be approached with flexibility and forward-thinking.
“With today’s renters skewing older, more family-oriented, and often working remotely, robust digital infrastructure is a requirement,” said Kristen Hanich, Parks Associates’ director of research, in a prepared statement about the apartment report.
“Consumers are interested in a variety of amenities, some of which, like security cameras around the property, controlled access to the property, and in-unit security systems, demand robust property connectivity.”
There are multiple reasons that connectivity needs to be a major consideration for multi-unit building owners, operators, and builders, including:
- 41% of renters expect internet to be ready on move-in day.
- 40% want their choice of internet providers
- 37% want Gigabit speeds
- One-third report wanting roaming capability, with hotspots available in apartment common areas (i.e., lobbies)
- Properties offering Gigabit-level connectivity, managed Wi-Fi, and smart amenities see measurable boosts in resident satisfaction
- A strong digital foundation supports smart building initiatives, streamlines operations, and positions apartments for long-term success, the report said
In addition to the above, apartment dwellers are seeking security cameras and access control. Comcast and Parks Associates point out that modern solutions, such as AI-enabled smart cameras and app-controlled access systems, require robust property connectivity to operate and meet the needs and expectations of prospective residents.
The need for connectivity can be addressed in multiple ways, including a fixed wireless access (FWA) connection. A recent technical report from the Broadband Forum describes how a single 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) connection can provide multiple apartment tenants with gigabit broadband connections by reusing the building’s existing infrastructure.
Fixed wireless handles this complexity by making a connection over a radio link for communications between a base station and user equipment, such as 5G modems, that are typically installed in the apartment, the Broadband Forum report found.
