2025 and Beyond: The Rise of Fiber Internet (Part 2)

Positioning your properties for success or at an optimal market value can help separate you in an increasingly connected and competitive world. There are four key considerations for why fiber is on the rise and can offer you the edge.

In Part 2 consider, how will fiber modernize living by meeting residents’ demands for high-speed connections for work, entertainment, and smart devices? And consider what revenue-generating opportunities do we need to initiate or improve? Fiber internet can lead to higher market value for properties, create new net operating income (NOI), enhance competitiveness, and/or minimize the need for continuous capital investments.

According to a 2023 consumer study by Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and RVA LLC Market Research and Consulting, fiber optics is the preferred connectivity technology for almost two-thirds of all internet users, outpacing both cable and wireless. Plus, fiber-optic internet adds, on average, 4.9% to a home’s value. In Part 1, see how fiber is on the rise with ease of future scale and versatility for new and existing communities. And learn why it’s not too late for existing apartment buildings to upgrade offering essential fiber-to-the-unit or common living area connectivity.

3. Rising to elevate residents’ modern living

As your residents rely more on high-speed internet for work, entertainment, and smart home devices, their expectations rise. You need to intensely compete with other properties and adapt to residents’ increasingly sophisticated demands.

Smart-living essentials: To remain competitive and avoid high turnover or vacancy rates, consider integrating devices like smart thermostats, digital security cameras, and voice assistants. These depend on stable, high-speed broadband connections to work seamlessly. The infrastructure and the internet equipment matter. WiFi 7 devices are easy for residents to use because they can handle so many different frequencies which allows for a huge ecosystem of compatible resident and property devices, including laptops, TVs, smart-sensors, IoT gadgets, and more.

“One of the greatest advantages multifamily owners will see from switching from WiFI 6 to WiFi 7 is the reduced need for mesh or extended WiFi coverage in dead spots”, said Susan Chandler, senior manager for product management with Quantum Fiber.

Enhanced security: Leading Tier 1 ISP providers like Quantum Fiber own a vast global network, which is closely monitored for cybersecurity risks on a global level. Tier 1 ISPs can protect from cybersecurity risks through additional layers of prevention. Through their intelligence, in-home modems can receive critical security updates. This proactive technology combined with cloud-based security measures is helping create a high level of network security for every home and WiFi user.

Mobile app management: Leading fiber providers offer apps for your residents so they can easily manage their internet access status remotely. By monitoring performance, troubleshooting, or adjusting settings such as parental controls, they gain greater convenience and control.

4. Rising by quantifiable value

To set your property on a path to earn quantifiable results, fiber agreements need to be structured with your financial goals in mind.

“The market recognizes and values the inclusion of a fiber-based internet service as an amenity for which they are willing to pay,” says Dan O’Connell, VP of consumer sales at Quantum Fiber. “That drives revenue growth and contributes to NOI gains.”

• Boosts property values: Properties with fiber installed often command higher market values, making them more attractive homeowners or other investors, sources of financial backing such as banks and mortgage lenders, and potential property purchasers.
• Net operating income (NOI) gains: Fiber with a bulk agreement can provide a revenue stream for multifamily owners if they choose to monetize their amenity internet service.
• Compete more effectively: With residents’ growing reliance on remote work, streaming, and smart home devices, fiber provides the speed and capacity potential they seek when hunting for a home or considering a future move.
• Reduces need for continuous capital investments: Fiber can easily accommodate technology advancements, eliminating the need to frequently upgrade your property’s internet infrastructure. The expense to incorporate WiFi 7 is nominal, and the latest WiFi technology can be added in as it evolves.

Fiber’s future is on the rise

The future of fiber looks bright and clear, with its high predicted future growth, technological innovation, and ongoing investments by both government and service providers like Quantum Fiber. To stay competitive, properties should be integrating smart-living essentials on a connectivity infrastructure that can rise to the challenge.

Check out these related resources:

• 2025 and Beyond: The Rise of Fiber Internet Part 1
• FAQ: What’s important to know about a bulk agreement?
• Is your multifamily building ready for smart technology?