How Properties And Internet Service Providers Can Ensure Renters Have Day One Connectivity

Multifamily renters don’t just want fast, reliable WiFi — they want it yesterday. 

The 2024 National Multifamily Housing Council/Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey Report found that 87% of renters consider it “very important” or “absolutely essential” to have connectivity available as soon as they move in. 

Why Day 1 Connectivity Matters

“Moving is already a stressful experience, which can be made worse by waiting on internet equipment or installation appointments,” said Melonie Hooper, operations director for Connected Communities at Quantum Fiber from AT&T. “Lack of Day 1 connectivity limits residents' ability to seamlessly go about their lives and enjoy everything they are connected to.” 

Day 1 connectivity is equally important to property staff and internet service providers, Hooper said. When internet service is ready on move-in day, it creates a strong first impression and builds trust in both the property and the provider.

How Properties And Providers Work Together

Hooper explained how the Connected Communities team provides training, marketing materials, and open-house or move-in support so property staff and leasing teams can pass along information about the property’s internet to new residents. The goal, Hooper said, is not only to ensure residents have access to WiFi upon move-in but to prepare staff to present that service in a way that is compelling to prospective renters and homebuyers and helps differentiate the property.

“Quantum Fiber Connected Communities properties — those with a bulk or marketing agreement — expect top-quality service,” Hooper said. “Our end-to-end approach from design, install and ongoing staff support reflects how we are always operating with the best interests of both their property and their residents in mind.” 

Delivering Day 1 readiness can be challenging. The Connected Communities team works closely with property managers, general contractors and other vendors to navigate common challenges that can emerge in the final stages of installation and threaten communitywide and on-time connectivity. These may include landscaping, exterior construction or final interior work that can disrupt fiber installation or damage the fiber lines or equipment.

Dedicated implementation managers who serve as a clear, single point of contact throughout the project can work to keep communication flowing smoothly, Hooper said, especially around final-phase and overlapping work crews.

“Experienced internet service providers like Quantum Fiber bring operational experience, planning discipline and strong local execution to all builds,” Hooper said. 

Veteran implementation teams know how to manage multiphase builds, stay aligned to a tight schedule and help ensure connectivity is ready when residents move in.

“The earlier the team can be looped into a property’s plans, the better,” Hooper said. 

By reviewing the property early and learning the customer's needs, the team is better prepared to execute with fewer surprises later in the process and align the customer with the right product and design from the start.

Looking Beyond Day 1

The overall goal is to ensure residents are happy with their internet service not only on move-in day but throughout the course of their tenancy. Hooper said choosing a fiber connection helps ensure this because it provides a different experience than coax cable, with symmetrical upload and download speeds on most plans and lower latency. Fiber internet supports resident connectivity demands like video conferencing, remote work, streaming and connected devices.

“Fiber is future-ready,” she said. “It has significant untapped capacity to support future services and applications. As resident expectations evolve, fiber is better positioned to keep pace, helping ensure consistent satisfaction not just today but in the years ahead.”

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This article was produced in collaboration between Quantum Fiber from AT&T and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

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