New Parks Associates white paper, developed in partnership with Calix, examines the role of reliable connectivity, cybersecurity, smart home services, and stronger resident experiences

New research from Parks Associates, released in partnership with Calix, highlights how resident expectations and the influx of connected devices are pushing broadband in multifamily properties from a basic utility into a platform supporting the entire resident experience. Beyond Connectivity: Securing the Modern Resident Experience examines how multifamily properties can build a resident-centered managed connectivity experience that supports connected devices, bandwidth-intensive applications, property operations, and future services.

“Managed connectivity gives multifamily properties an opportunity to think beyond simply providing internet access,” said Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO, Parks Associates. “The network is the foundation for a broader resident experience, supporting work, entertainment, smart home devices, security, and new digital services. Reliability, simplicity, and security are critical as these environments become more connected.”

Today’s residents expect internet that is available at move-in, performs consistently across a growing number of devices, works well throughout the property, and protects their personal information and connected home.

The research highlights several trends driving investment in managed connectivity:

• The average US household has approximately 17 connected devices, increasing demands on the home network.
• 49% of US internet households own at least one smart home device, creating additional opportunities for properties to support connected services.
• 29% of consumers ages 65-74 and 25% of those 75+ are interested in smart amenity packages, including video doorbells, smart locks, thermostats, and safety and monitoring devices.
• Residents with in-unit routers or gateways report fewer technical issues and higher internet NPS than residents relying on shared gateways.
• Whole-home cybersecurity is associated with higher provider satisfaction, with users of these services reporting an NPS of 46 for their home internet provider.

“As digital experiences continue to be an essential part of everyday life, connectivity and cybersecurity will increasingly influence resident satisfaction, retention, and property value,” said Jess Parsons, Area Vice President, Marketing, Calix. “The multifamily opportunity is no longer simply to connect residents. It's to help property owners create trusted, connected experiences for a more digital, AI-driven world while reducing operational friction and strengthening the value of their communities.”

Managed networks can also simplify one of the most important moments in the resident journey: move-in. Instant-on connectivity eliminates installation appointments and equipment delays and allows residents to connect their devices immediately.

The research recommends that properties design for reliability, prioritize the in-unit network experience, simplify activation, provide visible support, and build trust through transparency and cybersecurity. Together, these capabilities position managed connectivity as an increasingly important foundation for the connected multifamily property and the next generation of resident services.

Beyond Connectivity: Securing the Modern Resident Experience is published by Parks Associates in partnership with Calix.

About Parks Associates

Parks Associates helps companies identify new opportunities, refine strategy, and accelerate growth in connected technology markets through data-driven insights and industry expertise. With more than 40 years of experience, the firm delivers proprietary consumer and industry research, market forecasts, and strategic analysis that guide business decisions across personal, connected home, small business, and commercial technology ecosystems. Parks Associates supports clients in navigating evolving markets including AI, security, smart home, broadband, entertainment, energy, multifamily, smart buildings, and connected health.

The firm also fosters industry growth and collaboration by convening thousands of leaders each year through its flagship executive conferences, including CONNECTIONS™, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit, Smart Spaces, and Future of Video.  Learn more at https://www.parksassociates.com.

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About Calix
Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) is an AI platform company that enables service providers to transform their operations and accelerate delivery of differentiated experiences—so they can compete and win in the markets and communities they serve.

Through the AI-native Calix One platform, service providers can securely and privately activate agentic-AI alongside their human teams to acquire new subscribers, grow existing subscriber revenue, and build loyalty across residential, business, municipal, and MDU markets. More than 1,200 customers of all sizes leverage the Calix One platform, which has evolved over 15 years at an investment of more than $2 billion.

Calix innovation cycles are underpinned by a strong financial balance sheet and a people first culture that routinely earns broad industry recognition—winning 81 culture and innovation awards since 2025 alone, as well as Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2026.