Last week, the 2025 NMHC Annual Meeting brought together multifamily industry leaders, investors, and technology partners to discuss the evolving landscape of apartment living, connectivity, and operational efficiency. The Onboard team, attending alongside Conservice, was at the center of these discussions—connecting with owners, operators, and technology providers to understand their biggest priorities and challenges.

From policy wins to tech-driven strategies, one theme was clear: multifamily housing is embracing connectivity and innovation like never before. Here are four major takeaways from the event and what they mean for the future of bulk internet and technology management.

1. FCC Withdraws Bulk Billing Ban Proposal—Paving the Way for Bulk Internet Growth

One of the most positive developments for multifamily housing this year was the FCC’s decision to withdraw its proposal to ban bulk billing agreements. This was a hot topic of conversation throughout the conference, as owners and operators expressed relief that they can continue offering bulk internet services without regulatory roadblocks.

Why This Matters:

• Cost Savings for Residents: Bulk internet reduces individual costs compared to retail rates.
• Streamlined Operations for Owners: Owners can offer high-speed, property-wide connectivity without requiring residents to set up individual service agreements.
• Improved Digital Access: Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for remote work, smart home technology, and everyday life.

At Onboard, we heard directly from operators who are now more confident in implementing bulk internet programs thanks to this decision. They see it as a win-win for both their properties and residents—and we couldn’t agree more.

📖 Read more: NMHC, NAA, and RETTC Applaud the FCC’s Decision

2. Tech Adoption is Moving from Experimentation to Execution

For years, the industry has talked about AI, centralized leasing, and automation. Now, operators are actually implementing these technologies at scale. Owners are increasingly leveraging:

• AI-driven leasing assistants to streamline the leasing process and reduce staffing costs.
• Tech-enabled property management tools to centralize operations and improve efficiency.
• Smart community integrations, such as connected locks and thermostats, that enhance the resident experience while reducing energy costs.

With this shift, operators are looking for technology partners who don’t just provide tools—but help them deploy, manage, and optimize these systems without adding operational complexity. This is exactly where Onboard fits in—we ensure that bulk internet, smart tech, and resident connectivity programs run smoothly and profitably.

3. Economic Uncertainty Is Real—But Optimism Prevails

With interest rates, construction slowdowns, and shifting market conditions, many conversations at NMHC centered around how multifamily operators can stay ahead of economic uncertainty.

• Rents remain strong, but operators are watching expenses carefully.
• Investors are prioritizing efficiency and NOI growth over aggressive expansion.
• Tech and operational enhancements are critical for maintaining profitability.

What does this mean for bulk internet programs? Owners want solutions that drive predictable, long-term revenue. At Onboard, we help operators monetize connectivity, streamline costs, and eliminate service headaches—which is exactly what they’re looking for in today’s market.

📖 Related discussion: Multifamily Dive’s NMHC Coverage

4. Owners Are Prioritizing Resident Experience to Stay Competitive

Even as operators tighten their budgets, they remain laser-focused on what keeps residents renewing their leases—and connectivity is at the top of that list.

• High-speed internet is now as important as location, parking, and in-unit features.
• Seamless connectivity at move-in is an expectation, not a luxury.
• Reliable Wi-Fi is a key factor in attracting and retaining residents.

The takeaway? Investing in connectivity isn’t optional—it’s essential. Bulk internet not only improves resident experience but also drives NOI by generating new revenue streams.

Onboard is at the forefront of making this process effortless. By handling everything from ISP coordination to resident enrollment and ongoing support, we ensure that operators can offer top-tier connectivity while keeping operations simple and efficient.

📖 Learn more: Jay Parsons’ NMHC Takeaways

Final Thoughts: The Future of Bulk Internet & Multifamily Tech

The 2025 NMHC Annual Meeting reinforced that technology, connectivity, and operational efficiency are the driving forces behind multifamily success in the years ahead. As owners navigate economic shifts, resident expectations, and policy changes, they are leaning on trusted technology partners to help them optimize operations and future-proof their properties.

At Onboard, we’re excited to continue leading the charge—helping operators seamlessly implement bulk internet, manage bulk programs, and create profitable, tech-driven communities.

Are you ready to explore how bulk internet can enhance your properties? Let’s talk.

📩 Contact Us Today to Learn More!