A version of this story was originally published on MultifamilyExecutive.com.
Technology can be hard to keep up with.
With remote work, streaming and smart home technologies driving demand for high-speed internet, your property’s old copper lines might be struggling to keep up. When running internal wiring to reach each unit, CAT5e and CAT6 can go up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) or higher under ideal conditions, but as internet usage grows and more devices connect simultaneously, these speeds might not cut it.
Enter fiber-to-the-unit.
Fiber optic cables can provide much higher speeds and great reliability, but more than that, upgrading to bring fiber internet to each living unit means you’re future-proofing your property to handle increased data demands and a stable and secure connection.
In other words, technology can be easy to keep up with.
Retrofitting your property to fiber, often called a fiber overbuild, is very doable when you partner with the right internet service provider. Here’s what multifamily property owners need to know:
The Process of Fiber Overbuild
Converting a multifamily property to fiber is a multistep process.
Assessment of current infrastructure: Engineers and project managers work with property owners to develop a detailed plan, identify pathways for fiber cables and address any structural challenges.
Exterior work: This involves trenching, boring, and installing conduits to bring fiber from the main lines to the property, with efforts made to limit resident inconvenience.
Interior work: Inside the building, fiber cables are routed to individual living units; by utilizing existing pathways to minimize disruption, fiber is terminated within the unit or within the media panel (if existing). A new modem is permanently installed and tested in each unit for instant activation.
Activation: Once functionality is authenticated, residents simply connect their devices to the new modem for instant high-speed internet access.
Considerations for Property Owners
Property owners play a crucial role in the fiber overbuild process. Here are three key considerations:
Choosing the Right Partner:
Selecting a reliable internet service provider (ISP) is essential. The ISP should have a proven track record in similar projects and a reputation for excellent customer service. Building a strong relationship with the ISP ensures smooth communication and problem-solving throughout the project.
“It’s not just about selecting a provider,” says Mike Keene, project manager at New Horizon Development. “It’s about selecting a company we can work with—from concept design, to installation, to testing and verification.”
Keene has worked with Quantum Fiber to upgrade several multifamily properties to fiber-optic speeds.
“They know my expectations and I can call upon them to get things done,” he says. And further, “The Quantum Fiber team knows the relationship we have with our residents is key to our success.”
Coordination and Communication:
Property managers are the frontline for resident interaction and play an important part in the communication plan. Residents should be informed about the project timeline, potential disruptions, and the benefits of the upgrade. Notices of entry and updates on progress help manage expectations and minimize inconvenience.
“First, we broadcast to all our residents that we’ll have people on and around the property doing an inspection,” Keene says. “Then as Quantum Fiber started mobilizing equipment and people, we sent out another message explaining that we’re doing a fiber installation.”
Because technicians will need access to individual units, property managers also send another notice several days in advance, allowing residents enough time to prepare.
“Some of them have animals, some of them work during the day. There can be a variety of factors that would create an inconvenience for them, and we try to work around that as best as possible,” Keene says.
Preparing for Installation:
Property owners need to provide access to all necessary areas, including crawl spaces, attics, and existing cable pathways. Ensuring clear communication between the installation team and property staff is crucial to ensure a smooth process.
In Keene’s experience working with Quantum Fiber, these things go fairly smoothly. On a recent project, Quantum Fiber completed 87 units in as little as two weeks. The result is fast internet that serves residents’ needs.
As the demand for connectivity continues to rise, investing in fiber internet is not just an upgrade; it’s a necessity for staying competitive in today’s market. Quantum Fiber works closely with multifamily owners and operators to streamline the overbuild process with minimal disruption to service. Learn more at quantumfiber.com/multifamily-upgrade.
Check out these related resources:
- FAQ: If I want to do a fiber overbuild at my established community, how will it look aesthetically?
- Four key drivers for apartment owners to transform your aging multifamily property now
- Crummy connectivity can hurt your multifamily property—what owners can do about it
Contact a Quantum Fiber Connected Communities expert to learn about connectivity solutions tailored to your multifamily community
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