In multifamily housing, connectivity is no longer a back-office utility. It is a front-and-center part of the resident experience.

In a recent episode of Beyond the Cable, Brad Randall sat down with Ilan Eframian, Vice President of Xfinity Communities, and Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO of Parks Associates, to discuss new research on the evolving role of broadband, managed Wi-Fi, and smart technologies in multifamily properties. Their conversation made one thing clear: for renters, seamless connectivity is now a baseline expectation, and for owners and operators, the network is becoming the foundation for both resident satisfaction and operational efficiency.

According to Parks Associates research, 41% of renters expect internet service to be ready the moment they move in. That statistic reflects a major shift in consumer expectations. What used to be considered a convenience is now part of the leasing decision itself. Renters increasingly want a frictionless move-in experience, and connectivity plays a central role in that.

As Elizabeth Parks explained, broadband has moved from “nice to have” to “baseline expectation.” Whether consumers are renting or buying, internet access is now part of how they evaluate a property’s value.

For property owners, that means connectivity is no longer just an amenity to advertise. It is part of the core living experience.

The conversation also explored whether residents are willing to pay for premium connectivity experiences, including gigabit speeds and managed Wi-Fi.

The answer is increasingly yes — even if consumers do not always think of it as a standalone line item.

Parks pointed to stronger satisfaction and higher Net Promoter Scores when managed Wi-Fi is in place, reinforcing the idea that connectivity creates real perceived value. 

More importantly, internet amenities rank as the number one feature many consumers consider when evaluating their next home. For developers and property owners, that creates a new opportunity. Connectivity is not just a service. It is an enabler of differentiated experiences, premium offerings, and future revenue streams.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was that smart property initiatives only work when the connectivity foundation is strong. Reliable, high-speed broadband enables everything from leak detectors and connected security to smart locks, access control, package management, and other automation tools. These technologies are not only improving resident experiences — they are helping owners operate more efficiently and reduce loss. In other words, the network is no longer separate from building operations. It is becoming the infrastructure layer that supports them.

Beyond Wi-Fi itself, the most in-demand smart amenities are tied to security. According to Parks Associates, residents are especially interested in features like cameras and access control systems that help them better understand and feel safer in their environment. Across demographics and life stages, safety and security continue to rank at the top. That insight is especially important for multifamily stakeholders deciding where to invest. While many amenities can help market a property, connected security features appear to be among the most universally valued.

Parks Associates described a world where persistent digital identity enables more seamless experiences throughout a property, balanced carefully with privacy and data security. Framley pointed to broader adoption of smart locks, digital access controls, and even robotics as likely developments in the years ahead.

What ties all of these innovations together is the same underlying requirement: reliable connectivity.

Watch the full Beyond the Cable interview to hear more insights from Ilan Eframian and Elizabeth Parks on how connectivity is reshaping multifamily living.