Every year, budget season forces owners and operators to step back and ask: What investments will move the needle for the portfolio next year and beyond? Costs are climbing, competition is growing, and residents expect more—meaning there’s no room for guesswork with your budget.
One opportunity that’s quietly becoming a major value-add for residents and deserves a place in your 2026 plans is bulk internet.
Why Bulk Internet Belongs in Your 2026 Strategy
Internet is no longer a “perk” or “add-on”—it’s an essential amenity that shapes the resident experience from day one. Stated in a recent post from Cox Communications, nearly 75% of renters say move-in–ready internet is important. If connectivity is slow, inconsistent, or overpriced, residents notice and in competitive markets, they won’t hesitate to look elsewhere.
Bulk internet flips that script. By negotiating and delivering service at the property level, owners and operators can guarantee high-speed, reliable connectivity for every unit from the moment a resident moves in. It also drives down per-unit costs compared to what residents would pay individually, creates a consistent and marketable amenity that sets the property apart, and generates new NOI through ancillary revenue or operational savings.
Budget season is all about prioritization. By starting the process early, you can lock in favorable provider contracts before market rates change, build installation and launch timelines into next year’s operations plan, and begin marketing the upgrade in advance to boost pre-leasing and retention. Budgeting for it now ensures your program is live, operational, and generating results by 2026.
Where Onboard Fits In
Bulk internet offers clear benefits, but implementing it is complex. From negotiating contracts and scheduling installations to communicating with residents and ensuring a smooth launch, the process demands significant coordination and expertise. Without the right support, owners and operators risk costly delays, resident confusion, and underperforming programs that miss revenue and satisfaction goals.
Onboard was built to make bulk internet programs easier, faster, and more profitable for owners and operators. Our platform and team take on the heavy lifting so your internal staff doesn’t have to, ensuring a smooth rollout and long-term program success.
We manage every stage of the process:
Due Diligence & Planning
We evaluate your portfolio’s unique needs, identify the right provider partners, and structure the program for maximum NOI and resident satisfaction.
ISP Coordination
We keep all stakeholders aligned—service providers, property teams, asset managers—so timelines are met and accountability is clear.
Resident Onboarding
Our communication tools make it easy for residents to understand the service, opt in where needed, and start enjoying their connection on day one.
Ongoing Management & Support
Post-launch, we monitor performance, offer 24/7 support, and provide live reporting so you can see the financial and operational impact in real time.
Onboard customer and a trusted partner, Michelle Murphy, Director of Asset Management at GoldOller, has seen the impact firsthand:
“We’re adding an amenity that makes the residents happy, while we’re netting monthly recurring revenue."
When scaled across an entire portfolio, that kind of recurring revenue can fund property enhancements, from upgraded common spaces to improved amenities – while also helping offset rising expenses. And because Onboard acts as the operational engine behind the scenes, your team can stay focused on delivering a great resident experience, knowing the internet program is running smoothly and consistently adding value for both residents and the property.
Looking Ahead: The Competitive Advantage
Planning now lets you market the upgrade early and launch without operational chaos. For 2025–2026 capital plans, bulk internet should be a top strategic priority. The combined benefits of resident satisfaction, competitive differentiation, and recurring NOI are hard to match, especially when budgets are tight and expectations are high.
With the right partner, implementation doesn’t have to strain your operations. Onboard has helped portfolios like GoldOller, delivering the seamless connectivity today’s residents expect while unlocking significant annual revenue. Starting now ensures that next budget season, you’re the property setting the market pace and reaping the rewards.
