Wi-Fi has been an essential amenity at multifamily communities for years, but resident demands for their Wi-Fi service are changing. With an unprecedented percentage of people working remotely, renters now expect the same connection speeds, portability and reliability that they would enjoy at an office setting. Lapses, lag times and other issues that were once typical are no longer acceptable. Communities with retail or bulk Wi-Fi offerings are seeking upgrade options to better meet their residents' needs.

Operators committed to exceeding resident expectations are converting to managed Wi-Fi, and the advantages are clear.

Community-wide connectivity

Unlike retail or bulk Wi-Fi, where dead zones remain throughout the community, managed Wi-Fi coordinates access point frequencies to minimize overlap and signal interference. The result is a consistent, reliable network that provides blanket connectivity across the entire property. Residents can move throughout their homes and communities without losing connection or connection strength. It works the same in their homes as it does in the gym, at the pool, in coworking spaces or their favorite community nook. Particularly in areas with unreliable cellular coverage, the presence of a dependable signal and the ability to utilize Wi-Fi calling is invaluable.

Simple sign-up

Traditionally, residents are required to schedule an installation appointment with the cable company and deal with television/phone bundle pitches before they get set up with Wi-Fi. The process can take days or weeks. With managed Wi-Fi, new residents can get signed up and operational within minutes. Distribution and management of internet access can be automated through major property management system integrations and resident apps. After sign-up, the third-party provider handles all system management needs, eliminating the burden from on-site associates.

Enhanced security

System integrations make it simple for on-site teams to ensure only authorized individuals have access. Also, each resident is provided with their own secure network, which connects through devices to access points throughout the property. Because each network (a single SSID) is provisioned to an individual user, residents enjoy much higher levels of security protection.

Empowering teams

On-site teams at communities equipped with managed Wi-Fi are empowered to confidently take their technology with them throughout the community. Maintenance teams can spend more time in the field and work more efficiently with reliable mobile access to workflow platforms. Leasing teams have access to resident data from anywhere in the community, enabling them to answer account information and assist residents on the fly. Teams can accomplish more when they have consistent access to property systems and tech platforms wherever they go.

Supporting proptech

Operators can better leverage proptech and smart home solutions when those technologies operate on the solid foundation of managed Wi-Fi. Communities operate more efficiently in IoT environment enabled by a consistent wireless connection. Operators can also establish higher levels of resident satisfaction by ensuring that personal devices and in-home technologies are connected to a managed Wi-Fi network with the speed and capacity to support a modern living experience.

Increased NOI

Fast, dependable Wi-Fi connectivity is the backbone that supports high-performing communities. When associates, proptech and smart home systems all operate on the same community-wide managed Wi-Fi system, on-site teams can minimize operational costs, bolster property performance and increase resident satisfaction and retention. By answering resident demand for higher-quality Wi-Fi, operators have an opportunity to boost NOI and future-proof operations.

Wi-Fi access has gone from a must-have amenity to a community-defining service. Network features shape not only the resident experience, but dictate the functionality and impact of proptech and smart home solutions. The value of managed Wi-Fi lies in its reliability, speed and community-wide connectivity, which supports all levels of operations.