For years, internet service in residential communities has been treated as a line item—important, yes, but rarely viewed as a core part of an operator’s strategy. That mindset is quickly changing.
As resident expectations evolve and technology becomes more integrated into daily life, internet is no longer just a nice-to-have. It’s part of a core infrastructure of services, and one that’s shaping leasing decisions, resident satisfaction, and even bottom-line performance across multifamily and single-family portfolios.
So what does it mean to manage internet as a strategic amenity—and what should operators be thinking about as they modernize their approach?
The Amenity That Touches Everything
Unlike traditional amenities like gyms or clubhouses, internet is used daily—by everyone. It powers remote work, smart devices, streaming, education, and more. When it works well, it fades into the background. When it doesn’t, it becomes the number one complaint at the front desk.
And unlike other amenities, internet has direct financial implications:
- It affects leasing velocity
- It impacts renewal decisions
- It can generate recurring revenue when deployed in bulk
But realizing that potential can require more than a great service provider. It requires visibility, coordination, and control.
Managing Internet at Scale: What’s Getting in the Way?
While offering internet as an amenity seems simple in theory, it becomes far more complex in practice—especially for operators managing dozens or hundreds of communities.
Common challenges include:
- Fragmented ISP relationships: Managing multiple providers with different terms, timelines, and processes.
- Enrollment gaps: Tracking which residents are connected and which aren’t, often with limited visibility.
- Data silos: No centralized place to view how internet programs are performing financially or operationally.
- Resident experience issues: Delays in activation, unclear communication, and lack of support can lead to frustration and churn.
The result? An amenity that’s critical to residents—but often hard for operators to oversee effectively by in-house resources.
The Case for Centralized, Strategic Management
To treat internet as a strategic amenity means moving beyond one-off contracts or siloed service dashboards. It means adopting systems that offer:
- Portfolio-wide visibility: Understanding how internet amenity programs are performing across all properties.
- Financial insight: Measuring revenue impact, adoption rates, and NOI contributions.
- Operational alignment: Coordinating across internal teams, ISPs, and residents with minimal friction, creating a seamless experience for all.
- Resident-centric design: Ensuring a smooth, connected experience from day one.
This approach mirrors how many operators already manage traditional utilities: with centralized oversight, automated workflows, and a focus on both efficiency and experience.
A Smarter Way Forward
Leading owners and operators are now adopting purpose-built platforms to help them manage internet with the same rigor they apply to other critical operations. These tools are designed to consolidate data, automate processes, and surface insights that help teams make informed decisions—not just about connectivity, but about the value of the amenity itself.
For example, platforms like Onboard are helping operators:
- Model new internet programs and understand their revenue potential
- Track program performance and rollout timelines
- Monitor resident engagement and enrollment
- Maintain transparency into the long-term health of bulk internet offerings
These systems don’t just improve execution—they enable a shift in mindset: from reactive support to proactive, strategic management.
Final Thoughts
As the line between “tech” and “living” continues to blur, internet has become one of the few amenities that directly touches every resident, every day. It’s time we treat it that way.
Real estate owners and operators who embrace this shift—who centralize their data, streamline their processes, and invest in long-term infrastructure—will not only improve resident experience, they’ll gain a clearer picture of how their amenities are driving value.
Want to explore this topic further? Visit letsonboard.com/our-platform for a deeper look at how centralized, integrated proptech management strategies are helping owners and operators evolve in a competitive market.
