Managed Wi-Fi: MDU Resident Demand and Preferences

Description

SYNOPSIS:

Multifamily properties are turning to new amenities to attract and retain residents and to generate new ongoing revenue streams. High-speed internet and Wi-Fi are two of the most in-demand amenities in multifamily properties and key areas where properties can differentiate themselves.

INFOGRAPHICS

This study examines MDU residents' perceptions and adoption of managed Wi-Fi and bulk internet, demand for these services, and interest in additional amenity bundles. This study draws from Parks Associates' Q2 2024 survey of 8,004 U.S. internet households. The survey is demographically representative of US internet households, with quotas for age, income, gender, and educational attainment.

questions addressed:

1. What is the landscape for bulk and managed Wi-Fi adoption in multifamily properties?
2. What are the drivers of resident satisfaction and dissatisfaction with bulk internet and Wi-Fi?
3. How does resident interest in bulk and managed Wi-Fi compare to other amenities?
4. What is resident preference when it comes to bulk versus retail internet services?
5. What is the difference in consumer-reported spending on bulk vs. retail internet services?

ANALYST INSIGHT:

"Residents that experience bulk internet service prefer it and deliberately search for communities that offer property-provided internet. However, many prospective residents may also be hesitant when faced with competitive retail services. Increasing service quality, the introduction of new and desired bundles, and a focus on the resident app experience help assuage concerns and deliver a differentiated experience." - Kristen Hanich, Research Director, Parks Associates.

Executive Summary

Availability of Property Wi-Fi in Multifamily Communities
Locations for Accessing the Wi-Fi Network
Bulk Internet in Multifamily Communities: 2022 vs. 2024
Bulk Adoption in Apartments vs. Condos: 2022 vs. 2024
Internet and Connectivity Considerations When Searching for New Home: 2022 vs.2024
Top Amenities Among Those...
Importance When Looking for a Home to Rent/Buy Among Those...
Mobile App Availability for Multifamily Residents
Adoption of Home Security by Multifamily Residents
Resident-Procured vs. Property-Provided Devices
High Satisfaction with MDU Amenities User Experience 2022 vs.2024

Internet Adoption Models Among Multifamily Residents

Home Internet Payment Method by Residence Type
Internet Adoption Drilldown: By Building Type
Internet Adoption Drilldown: By Resident Household Income
Average Monthly Standalone Internet Spending: Bulk vs Retail

Wi-Fi Accessibility in Multifamily Communities

Availability of Wi-Fi in MDU Communities
Roaming Work Method
Locations for Accessing the Wi-Fi Network
Availability of Property Wi-Fi in Communities by Internet Model
Availability of Property Wi-Fi by Building Type

Connection Process: Residents and Guests

Resident Internet Onboarding in Multifamily Housing
Guest Use of Wi-Fi
Guest Access Wi-Fi Method
Bulk Internet Resident Onboarding
Bulk Internet: Guest Access Wi-Fi Method

Devices Connected to Wi-Fi

Penetration of Tested Amenities Among Multifamily Residents
Resident-Procured vs. Property-Provided Devices
Penetration of Tested Amenities
Overlap of Tested Amenities and Property Wi-Fi
Property Provided Smart Home Devices
Number of Tested Devices In Package
Daily Use of Connected Devices to Access Online Video, Audio, or Games
Mean Average Number of Hours Spent on Digital Content/Tasks by Head of Household

Resident Attitudes Towards Home Internet

Preference for Retail vs. Bulk Internet Models: Concept Testing
Internet and Connectivity Considerations When Searching for New Home: 2022 vs.2024
Attitudes Among Bulk Internet Customers: 2022 vs.2024
Preference for Property-Provided Internet Setup: Concept Testing
Preference on Property-Provided Internet Setup by Age of Respondents
Preference for Connectivity Device Setup: Concept Testing
Preference on Home Connectivity Device Setup by Age of Respondents

Resident Demands: Wi-Fi vs. Other Amenities

Most Important Factors for Future Home Among Multifamily Residents
Most Important Factors for Future Home: Apartment vs. Condo Residents
Adoption of Property Wi-Fi and Bulk Internet Among Multifamily Residents
Priorities of MDU Residents with Bulk Service or Property Wi-Fi
Applications Provided to Multifamily Residents
Adoption of Home Security by Multifamily Residents
Capabilities Offered by Property Apps: Property-Branded vs. Third-Party

Resident Satisfaction and Net Promoter Scores (NPS)

MDU Amenities: User Experience
High Satisfaction of MDU Amenities User Experience by Age of Respondents
High Satisfaction with MDU Amenities User Experience 2022 vs.2024
Resident Perspective: Drivers of Home Internet Satisfaction - "Why did you rate your home internet that way?"
Resident Perspective: Bulk Internet - "Why did you rate your home internet that way?"
Resident Perspective: Drivers of Community Wi-Fi Satisfaction - "Why did you rate your community's Wi-Fi that way?"
Resident Perspective: Drivers of Property-Provided Smart Device Satisfaction - "Why did you rate your property-provided smart devices that way?"