The Value of Bulk Internet in BTR Communities

An Overview of Today’s Landscape in BTR Real Estate

What is Build-to-Rent?

The Build-to-Rent (BTR) space is a segment of the real estate market that focuses on designing homes exclusively for long-term rental occupancy. These homes offer the convenience of single-family homes but with the benefits of professional management. With  no units above or below, BTR homes offer spacious and private living while eliminating the cost of upkeep and maintenance. As they are professionally managed and maintained, these communities attract renters seeking alternatives to traditional rental options.   

Current Economic Conditions

The BTR market is evolving as rising interest rates, inflation, and construction costs put pressure on developers and operators. At the same time, residents expect high-quality rental experiences with premium amenities like high-speed internet, or even smart home technology for added convenience. To remain competitive, BTR operators must adapt their strategies to meet these growing needs, while at the same time maximizing NOI and enhancing long-term property value  Enter the bulk internet model. Long used by multifamily owners and operators as both a revenue driver and an opportunity to provide value-add amenities to residents, bulk internet programs provide a predictable, recurring income stream while offering residents essential connectivity services. By integrating these modern solutions, BTR owners can position their properties as high-value, tech-forward communities in an increasingly competitive market.

The Case for Leveraging Bulk Internet in Build-to-Rent

Today’s Renters Agree: Internet is Essential

As technology continues to shape daily life, modern renters expect seamless, high-speed connectivity to support their digital needs. High-speed internet is no longer an optional amenity—it’s a necessity with nearly 77% of residents considering reliable internet access as critical as water and electricity impacting their lease & renewal decisions. The rise of remote work, online gaming, video conferencing, and smart home devices has only increased the demand for stable internet. According to Pew research, nearly a third of U.S. workers work from home full-time, further emphasizing the need for dependable connectivity. Properties that fail to prioritize strong internet infrastructure risk being overlooked by prospective residents who seek communities that can reliably support their digital lifestyles. In fact, NMHC Research shows that internet connectivity ranks among the top decision-making factors for renters, reinforcing the need for multifamily and BTR operators to offer a robust and managed connectivity solution. 

To stay competitive in today’s rental market, BTR operators must recognize that high-speed internet is a fundamental expectation. Bulk internet programs provide a seamless solution by equipping every unit with high-speed connectivity from day one. By implementing bulk internet, property owners not only meet resident expectations but establish a reliable long-term revenue stream.  

The Hidden Inefficiencies of a Retail Internet Model 

Many BTR communities rely on standard retail internet models, where residents individually set up service contracts with internet service providers. This approach often leads to inconsistent service quality across the property, higher costs for renters, unreliable support, and operational inefficiencies for owners. Move-ins become more complicated when residents must coordinate their own service activation, often resulting in delays or frustrations that impact their initial experience. Additionally, owners and operators have little control over internet reliability, making it difficult to ensure a seamless experience for all residents. By shifting to a bulk internet model, BTR operators can provide high-quality, cost-effective connectivity that enhances the resident experience while streamlining property management operations.  

How Bulk Internet Drives Increased NOI & Operational Efficiencies 

Bulk internet programs offer a substantial financial advantage for BTR operators by transforming an in-demand service into a consistent revenue stream. By securing wholesale internet rates from providers, owners can generate an average of $28 per unit per month in additional NOI. This revenue model not only enhances property profitability but also provides a competitive edge in today’s challenging market.

Unlike other ancillary revenue streams that can fluctuate, bulk internet provides a stable and predictable source of income. While prioritizing residents’ connectivity expectations, property owners can simultaneously create a consistent revenue stream through implementing a bulk program. This steady cash flow helps operators plan long-term investments more effectively and ensure that residents receive high quality internet services, making bulk internet a valuable addition in more ways than one.   

Reducing Operational Burden for both Residents and Staff: 

When residents are responsible for setting up individual retail internet contracts, property teams often bear the brunt of operational inefficiencies. On-site staff, who are typically not trained IT professionals, may be burdened with:

• Troubleshooting resident internet issues they aren’t equipped to solve
• Coordinating with multiple ISPs for service installations, repairs, and upgrades
• Managing billing disputes between residents and providers
• Negotiating any existing contracts with ISPs while also handling contract renewals and updates 

By implementing a bulk internet program, owners reduce  these challenges, allowing on-site teams to focus on core property operations.  

Creating a Frictionless Move-In Experience for Residents

One of the most immediate benefits of bulk internet is how it simplifies and streamlines the resident move-in process. When a resident moves into their new home, their to-do list can be long and cumbersome. But with a move-in ready  internet solution in place, setting up internet – which is as essential as water or electricity – is a breeze. These new residents don’t need to shop for providers, schedule installations, or wait days for activation—they have immediate access to high-speed internet from day one.

Additionally, bulk programs offer lower-cost internet compared to standard retail rates, providing residents with superior connectivity at a more affordable price. This seamless experience not only increases resident satisfaction but also boosts retention, making bulk internet a win-win for both operators and tenants.

The Role of Bulk Internet in Financial Stability

Why BTR operators need diversified revenue streams  

In today’s challenging economic climate, BTR operators must explore revenue streams beyond traditional rent collection, as relying solely on rent payments can lead to financial strain—especially during periods of increased vacancies, shifting market conditions, and rising operational costs. At the same time, evolving resident expectations require continuous investment in technology, amenities, and infrastructure to remain competitive. Without alternative revenue sources, keeping up with these demands can be difficult. Diversifying revenue streams provides financial stability and long-term profitability, allowing operators to maintain a strong financial position while enhancing property value.  

How Bulk Internet Offers Predictable, Recurring Revenue

By integrating bulk internet programs, and then layering on additional conveniences like smart home technology, operators can establish a steady flow of non-rent revenue while simultaneously improving the resident experience. Bulk internet, in particular, enables properties to offer high-speed connectivity as an included amenity, generating additional income that helps offset operational costs and strengthens the overall investment strategy.

Unlike other revenue streams that can fluctuate, bulk internet delivers consistent, monthly income that contributes directly to an increase in NOI and provides a dependable revenue stream that helps operators maintain financial health even during challenging market conditions.   

Future-Forward Amenities Drive a Competitive Edge  

What to Consider When Choosing Digital Amenities

When selecting the digital amenities for your BTR community, it is essential to prioritize features that will enhance the resident experience while adding long-term value to your homes. Here are the factors to consider when building a tech-forward living environment: 

• Reliability & Speed: With the increasing reliance on technology, residents demand high-speed internet that is reliable for both work and entertainment. The internet service must handle multiple devices and high data usage without interruption.
• Resident Demand/Preferences: The interest in adding connected home features, like smart thermostats, lighting, and security is increasing and property equipped with such amenities can become more attractive to renters.
• Support: A strong, ongoing support system is vital. Property owners and managers need reliable customer service to address issues with both the internet and smart home systems. 

How Smart Home Integrations Enhance BTR Property Value  

Integrating smart home devices into BTR properties not only enhances the living experience for residents but also offers significant financial benefits for property owners. One of the most impactful advantages is the ability to manage utility usage more efficiently, particularly in vacant units. When a home sits empty, simply shutting off power to reduce costs can lead to HVAC system strain, plumbing issues, or humidity-related damages. 

By keeping utilities always on and leveraging smart home technology, operators can remotely monitor and regulate energy consumption, ensuring the property remains protected while minimizing unnecessary expenses. Smart thermostats, automated lighting, and energy monitoring systems allow for strategic adjustments that optimize efficiency, reducing costs without compromising the integrity of the homes. A strong foundation of connectivity, delivered through a bulk internet model, provides a reliable framework for these cost-saving smart home devices to operate efficiently as well. 

This proactive approach not only safeguards the property but also creates long-term savings, making smart home integrations a valuable investment for both operational stability and financial performance.  As smart technologies evolve, an outsourced partner can scale these services to meet growing demands. Whether it’s adding more devices, increasing bandwidth, or upgrading systems, an experienced and dedicated provider can ensure the property remains competitive in the tech-driven real estate market. With seamless installation, ongoing management, and the ability to scale as technology evolves, an experienced provider ensures high-quality service for residents while keeping properties competitive in a tech-driven market.

Implementing Bulk Internet Successfully  

Ensuring a Successful Program Implementation 

Alright, you’re convinced of the benefits of a bulk internet model in a Build-to-Rent community. But how do you implement, manage, and support a complex bulk internet program? 

Successfully managing a bulk internet program in the BTR space requires planning, clear and transparent communication, and coordination between several stakeholders. One of the most vital components is ensuring that your site teams are well-versed in the program details. Leasing agents and property managers need to be fully educated so they can confidently relay the program’s benefits, address concerns, and guide residents through the process. A well-trained site team is essential to build trust with the residents and to reinforce the program’s value. Learn more about factors that contribute to a successful program roll out here. 

Secondly, and equally as important, is transparency and communication to enhance the resident experience. It is up to your site team to communicate to new and current residents in order for them to understand the costs and benefits of the bulk program. Transparency is key. Through proactive marketing and tailored messaging, operators can clearly communicate why this amenity adds value, addressing any questions or concerns to prevent confusion and ensure residents don’t lose trust in the program. Learn more about how transparency and communication shape resident experience.  Implementing a bulk internet program in Build-to-Rent homes goes beyond just securing the right provider—it requires strategic planning, strong on-site team support, and clear communication with residents. By equipping site teams with the knowledge they need and maintaining transparency throughout the process, operators can drive resident satisfaction and program success. With the right approach, a bulk internet model can become a seamless, value-adding amenity that enhances both the resident experience and long-term property performance.  

Long-Term Program Management & Support

Ongoing program oversight is essential to the long-term success of bulk internet and smart home technology operations in BTR properties. Without continuous management, compliance with provider agreements cannot be guaranteed, leading to potential contract disputes, revenue inconsistencies, and service disruptions that negatively impact NOI. Staying proactive ensures that agreements remain optimized, revenue flows without interruption, and the program continues to deliver maximum financial and operational benefits. 

Beyond immediate troubleshooting and billing support, it’s key to ensure that your connectivity strategy remains scalable and future-proof. As technology evolves and resident expectations shift, having access to market insights and strategic industry relationships becomes a competitive advantage. It is strongly advised to negotiate service improvements, consider infrastructure upgrades, and align offerings with emerging trends. By proactive program enhancements and keeping up with industry advancements, BTR operators can maintain high-quality service, improve resident retention, and continue to generate consistent revenue without operational complexity.  

The Advantages of Outsourcing Bulk Program Management to an Expert

If this sounds difficult for in-house resources to manage, it’s because it can be! This is where a dedicated technology management partner can step in. By partnering with a team of experts in telecom and technology amenities , BTR operators can eliminate the in-house burden and ensure a seamless, profitable program. A trusted partner brings experience and infrastructure to manage:

• Contract negotiation, backed by industry data and strategic provider relationships
• Seamless program deployment, including provider coordination and resident onboarding
• Automated billing and financial tracking to maximize revenue accuracy
• Ongoing resident support, ensuring issues are resolved without involving on-site staff
• Continuous program updates, including contract renewals and service enhancements

By outsourcing bulk internet program management , operators enhance the resident experience, free up internal resources, and maximize financial benefits. With a professional team managing all aspects of implementation and ongoing oversight, BTR communities can offer premium connectivity without adding operational complexity—leading to higher retention rates, improved NOI, and a stronger competitive position in the market.

Implementing a successful bulk internet program can be complex and a time-consuming process, requiring market knowledge and specialized experience. For many BTR operators and site teams, managing the responsibilities of a bulk internet program alongside the day-to-day property can be overwhelming. This is where partnering with an expert can make a significant difference. A dedicated partner brings the specialized expertise needed to navigate the complexities of a bulk internet program. From pre-sales planning to successful implementation to ongoing success, a partner brings value to the property by ensuring that all aspects of the program are handled efficiently and effectively.

By working with a partner, BTR operators can ensure that they are implementing the best technology solutions for their units, while avoiding common pitfalls that could arise if handled in-house. This partnership not only streamlines operations but also provides ongoing support, ensuring that the program continues to meet evolving resident expectations and remains financially viable in the long term. Meanwhile, property teams can focus on enhancing the resident experience.

Conclusion: The Future of Bulk Internet in Build-to-Rent

A well-ran and stable bulk internet program can provide a competitive edge, offering both immediate benefits—such as seamless move-ins, increased resident satisfaction, and reduced operational burdens—and long-term advantages, including diversified revenue streams and future-proof infrastructure. By standardizing digital amenities and ensuring proactive program oversight, operators can maximize NOI while maintaining a property that meets evolving resident expectations.

Onboard simplifies this process by offering reliable and ongoing support, from pre-sales planning to ongoing program management. By working alongside BTR operators to develop tailored tech strategies, Onboard ensures that properties achieve maximum financial return while delivering a superior resident experience. With deep industry expertise, strong provider partnerships, and access to exclusive market data, Onboard helps properties stay competitive, efficient, and profitable. By outsourcing bulk internet and smart home program execution to a trusted partner like Onboard, BTR operators can eliminate complexity, enhance service quality, and secure long-term success in an increasingly tech-driven rental market.