Broadband is Mission Critical in Multifamily

There are some things in life that we just take for granted. When we flip the switch on the wall, we expect the lights to come on. When we turn the key in the ignition, we expect our cars to start. And when we turn on our computers and phones, we expect them to instantly connect to the Internet. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case because many multifamily properties don’t have reliable broadband with no dead spots. This is a major source of frustration for residents, especially those who work from home and can’t function without proper Internet connectivity. This creates headaches for property management companies and can lead to dissatisfaction that causes good residents to leave. You wouldn’t expect people to stay in a unit where the lights don’t work - and broadband should be held to the same standard.  After all, broadband is now seen as a basic amenity, and it ranks in the top three for renters, alongside features such as in-unit laundry and air-conditioning.

Having a fast connection is crucial for residents in multifamily housing, especially in today's digital age where the internet is an essential part of daily life. The importance of reliable and high-speed internet access cannot be overstated, as it impacts various aspects of residents' lives, from work and education to entertainment and communication.

One of the primary reasons why high-speed broadband connectivity is vital is the increasing number of people who work from home. According to recent statistics, 35.5 million people in the U.S. telecommuted or worked at home for pay, which accounted for 22.9 percent of working Americans. With such a large portion of the workforce requiring quality internet connections to perform their jobs, having reliable broadband in multifamily housing is essential to ensure productivity and job satisfaction.

Here's why it's so important: in 2025, the average U.S. household has 17-21 connected devices linked to the internet, including smartphones, speakers, computers, smart appliances, thermostats, lighting, cameras, and more. This number has grown dramatically in recent years as smart home adoption accelerates and new device categories emerge. Most households now use these connections for work, entertainment, security, and daily convenience. So unreliable broadband isn't just a matter of glitchy zoom calls -  It's a fundamental and profound disruption of residents’ daily lives.

In addition to work, good broadband connectivity is crucial for education. With the rise of online learning and virtual classrooms, students of all ages depend on stable internet connections to attend classes, complete assignments, and access educational resources. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online education, making it a permanent fixture in the education system. Multifamily communities that offer reliable broadband connectivity are able to ensure that students can continue their education without interruptions.

Entertainment is another aspect of daily life that heavily relies on good internet connectivity. Streaming services, online gaming, and social media are popular activities that require high-speed internet. Residents in multifamily housing expect to have seamless access to these services, and any disruption in connectivity can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction. Providing reliable broadband ensures that residents can enjoy their leisure time without any hindrances.

Furthermore, high-speed data connections are essential for basic communication. With the increasing use of video calls and messaging apps, staying connected with family and friends has never been more important. Reliable internet access allows residents to maintain their social connections, which is vital for mental health and well-being.

Having high-speed internet connectivity in multifamily housing is of paramount importance. It supports the growing trend of remote work, facilitates online education, provides seamless entertainment, and ensures effective communication. As the reliance on the internet continues to grow, investing in robust broadband infrastructure is essential to meet the needs of residents and enhance their quality of life.