In today’s rental market, high-speed internet is no longer just nice to have—it’s a must-have amenity. Residents expect instant-on connectivity the moment they move in, and owners are seeking new ways to future-proof their properties, improve retention, and boost property value. Bulk internet programs offer a powerful solution—but only if they’re structured and managed the right way.
At the recent Conservice Connect Multifamily Summit, the Onboard team presented with our industry-leading attorney partners to share insights on how to transform the complexity of bulk internet into an opportunity for long-term operational and financial gain. Here’s a closer look at what we covered.
First: Why Bulk Internet?
Renters today are clear about their expectations. Nearly nine out of ten claim that move-in ready internet is either very important or absolutely essential, and the vast majority prefer having consistent, community-wide access to connected property amenities. For renters, seamless connectivity isn’t a bonus—it’s the baseline.
For owners and operators, a well-structured bulk internet program offers compelling advantages. It can contribute to an increase in net operating income, support the implementation of future-ready technologies, and help attract and retain residents in a highly competitive market. When done right, it becomes a differentiator that elevates the entire living experience.
Yes, Bulk Can Be Complex—But That’s Where Strategy Comes In
Successfully launching and managing a bulk internet program requires more than signing a contract with a service provider. It demands careful planning, cross-functional coordination, and long-term oversight. But when these pieces come together, bulk connectivity can become one of your most strategic property-level investments.
Structuring for Success
The foundation of a great bulk program begins long before a single device is connected. Operators must navigate a regulatory landscape that continues to evolve, ensuring their programs are legally sound and lease-compliant. Structuring a contract that protects the owner while aligning with the needs and responsibilities of internet service providers is critical. This early groundwork sets the tone for a program that can scale effectively and deliver real, lasting value.
Seamless Implementation
Execution is critical when it comes to a bulk program rollout. Successful implementation depends on strong coordination among internet service providers, contractors, on-site staff, and residents. Resident marketing plays a crucial role in building awareness, increasing program enrollment, and generating excitement around the service. And integrating bulk internet into your property management system ensures that enrollment, support, and billing are streamlined and centrally managed.
Managing for Long-Term Success
The work doesn’t end at launch—it evolves. A bulk program requires ongoing attention to ensure the resident experience remains strong and operational expectations are met. Dedicated support resources are essential, both for residents navigating simple onboarding and connectivity issues and for staff members managing day-to-day operations. Owners must also maintain active relationships with service providers, monitor the performance of the program, and remain compliant with regulatory changes as they arise. The most successful operators treat bulk internet not as a one-time project, but as a living, breathing amenity that evolves with their community.
Now – The Future of Amenity Management Is Here
As digital amenities like high-speed internet delivered in bulk become the new norm, operators need more than manual tools or disjointed systems to manage these programs. They need robust, data-driven platforms that provide proactive oversight and actionable data, ensuring maximum success as the program launches and evolves. That’s why Onboard is building the industry’s first true technology amenity platform—designed specifically to manage tech services like bulk internet across every stage of the program’s lifecycle.
Our new platform will provide centralized oversight and real-time visibility into performance, giving owners and operators the tools they need to scale and optimize their programs with confidence. From pre-sale planning to post-launch support, Onboard simplifies complexity, increases transparency, and delivers a better experience for everyone involved.
A bulk internet program isn’t just about internet service—it’s about crafting a successful, proven program strategy. With the right platform in place, what was once a pain point becomes an opportunity not just for owners and operators to drive property success, but also for residents who are receiving improved speeds at reduced costs.
