Connectivity has become a fundamental part of the resident experience. In multifamily communities, reliable internet supports work, entertainment, communication, smart home devices, security systems, and a growing range of connected services. As expectations continue to rise, providing broadband is no longer enough. Residents increasingly expect connectivity that is reliable, secure, and easy to use.

With one-third of US internet households residing in multifamily environments, this creates important opportunities and challenges for property owners, operators, and broadband providers. As more devices and services depend on the network, residents also have greater expectations around performance, support, security, and trust.

The new Parks Associates white paper, “Beyond Connectivity: Securing the Modern Resident Experience,” in partnership with Calix, explores these changing expectations and the factors influencing resident satisfaction. Drawing on Parks Associates' research, the white paper examines the importance of reliable connectivity, Wi-Fi performance, connected-device support, service support, onboarding, and security in creating a stronger resident experience.

Connectivity Is Part of the Resident Experience

For residents, connectivity is increasingly woven into everyday life. A poor Wi-Fi experience can affect everything from entertainment and remote work to the performance of connected devices throughout the home. As smart home technology becomes more common, the quality of the underlying network can influence how residents perceive their entire connected environment.

For property owners and operators, this makes connectivity an important part of the overall resident experience. Broadband providers serving multifamily communities also have an opportunity to move beyond simply delivering internet access and provide services that address the broader needs of connected residents.

Security and Trust Are Increasingly Important

The growth of connected devices also brings greater attention to security. Residents want the convenience of connected services, but they also need confidence that their networks, devices, and personal information are protected.

This makes security and trust important complements to network performance. A successful connected experience requires more than a fast connection. It depends on reliable service, effective support, straightforward onboarding, and technologies that residents can use with confidence.

Looking Beyond the Connection

As connectivity becomes more deeply integrated into multifamily living, the opportunity is to think beyond broadband as a standalone service. Property owners, operators, and providers can look at how connectivity, smart home technology, security, and support work together to create a more seamless resident experience.

“Beyond Connectivity: Securing the Modern Resident Experience” provides insight into these changing expectations and the role that reliable, secure connectivity plays in multifamily communities. The white paper offers industry stakeholders a closer look at how resident needs are evolving and what those changes mean for the connected living environment.

The white paper is in partnership with Calix, whose technology and services support communications service providers as they manage network infrastructure, improve subscriber experiences, and develop new opportunities around connected services.

Access the complimentary white paper: Beyond Connectivity: Securing the Modern Resident Experience