Multifamily has been reluctant to embrace change and technology in the past. However, we are starting to see the tide change as the industry modernizes to meet the demand of innovation growth embedded in every single aspect of community development, leasing, and the living experience. The industry has come a long way over the years and revolutionized many processes vital to community success. Where do we go from here? Back to the basics, of course.

In today's digital age, connectivity is the cornerstone of modern living, and nowhere is this more evident than in multifamily apartment communities. Having adequate internet service is a necessity for nearly every individual. It's become so important to ensure access for all that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) set high-speed internet guidelines and in recent years earmarked unprecedented funding to support underserved communities that lack high-speed connectivity. Yet, despite the exponential growth of technology, many existing apartment buildings still suffer from the shortcomings of unreliable, spotty and slow WiFi coverage. This deficiency not only hampers residents' quality of life but also presents challenges for property management and the integration of new technology systems.

For operators looking to keep and attract residents and enhance the overall connectivity of their building and tech stack, it's vital to stay a step ahead and implement a trusted high-speed internet service that covers the entire property. Modern apartment communities need a reliable WiFi provider that supports the increase in people working from home, as well as the influx of tech-centric products, including proptech services and amenities that ease the lives of both residents and onsite teams.

To optimize all the industry innovations that continue to elevate communities across the globe, it's crucial to circle back to the building block which supports them – a digital foundation for the built environment.

Here's how communities fare in terms of success with their current WiFi services, and what the future of innovation will require going forward.

The current situation

Many of the current foundations and infrastructures the industry has relied on do not support the modernized processes and amenities of today's apartment homes. Traditional internet providers are working with outdated materials and limited means to customize service for each property's unique needs, and they are no longer able to keep up with the ever-changing technology landscape of modern apartment communities - and asking residents or onsite teams to spend valuable time troubleshooting WiFi issues certainly isn't feasible for operations.

According to Apartment Guide Powered by Rent., there are 17 different ways to "fix" the WiFi connection within a community. While these may be helpful in some scenarios, neither residents nor onsite teams should have to go through a 17-step checklist to reestablish a good WiFi signal.

Furthermore, loss of WiFi connection can pose immense problems for onsite efficiencies and resident satisfaction.

The repercussions

For apartment communities, prolonged downtime or WiFi interruptions will create dissatisfied residents and frustrated onsite teams. When WiFi connections drop, back-office efficiencies tumble and vital tools like mobile maintenance, EV chargers, and self-guided tours cease to work, both of which are key components of operational success.

To ensure WiFi connectivity is never interrupted again, communities require an innovative and future-proof strategy implemented from the ground up - a digital foundation for the built environment that can power every network and WiFi dependent feature.

Moving forward

With the vast array of smart home technology and tech-driven features embedded in today's communities, operators must set the proper stage so they can maximize the benefits of them. With a digital foundation that provides consistent WiFi connectivity, communities can truly evolve and scale in a sustainable way.

Innovative and future-proof strategies, like a strong digital foundation for the built environment, yields long-term results in an ever-changing industry. It attracts modern renters, alleviates connection hardships, and makes tech amenities run smoothly and optimally.

As the PropTech industry continues to innovate and expand its presence in multifamily, operators need to set the foundation that can support smart community features for years to come. An uninterrupted WiFi service rooted in the community makes for an enhanced resident experience and allows operators to reap the full benefits of their tech-tools and gadgets, while bolstering ROI. Embrace the digital revolution and position your properties for success in the modern built world.