Apartment Owners, Developers, and Homeowners' Associations – are you prepared for the enormous demand for connectivity in your communities? The statistics firm, Statista, estimates that by 2021, there will be 35.82 billion connected devices in the world. They also estimate that the 35.82 billion will grow to 75.44 billion by 2025. This onset for device connectivity is result of the Internet of Things (IoT) movement. IoT is the connecting of everyday devices to each other and the internet. Everyday applications such as Amazon Alexa and Nest Thermostats are basic examples of the IoT expansion. This expansion is not slowing down anytime soon.
Experts believe that as early as 2021, we will be driving next to cars that are driving themselves. Whether you are a renter in an apartment community, a homeowner in a new condominium community, or a professional working in the multi-family space, these are the developing industry trends that you should be considering:
- Cellular as an Amenity: Much like Wi-Fi asserted itself as an amenity, a few years ago, In-building Cellular is becoming a top demand. Roughly 60% of mobile calls and 70% of data usage both occur indoors. Reliable cellular reception is a top influence when deciding on a new home for urban downtown professionals, off campus college students, and the gated community resident.
- Demand for Smart Building Technologies: There’s no debating that we are all very busy. The IoT expansion is driven by the concept of simplifying tasks. Smart Building Technologies are being applied at MDU properties to do just that. Application-based home functionality such as temperature control, keyless entry, and lighting controls are basic ways that residents seek to simplify their lives. However, Smart Building concepts are not limited to just turning lights on and off. Automating behavior is another focus of Smart Building Technologies. Turning the lights on at the same time every morning, or the pet feeder dispensing food at lunch time further the ability to simplify daily tasks. This is a resident-driven movement with the willingness to pay a premium to have Smart features in the communities. It’s a comforting feeling to have a smart concierge system to receive our packages for us.
- Strong Focus on Public Safety Compliance: First responders accept the challenge of keeping us safe and often put themselves in harm’s way. They should not have the added challenge of locating people in danger. Unfortunately, that’s what is happening today. Not all networks are reliable enough to accurately connect first responders with people calling 911. The good news is that the First Net program is working towards the improvement of connecting first responders with emergency situations. Public Safety laws mandate strong networks dedicated to first responders. While specific regulations change based on local jurisdiction, there are signal regulations that developers and apartment owners must comply with. Although it may not seem like hot-button issue to comply with safety regulations, failure to fully comply can potentially double development expenses. With money aside, failure to comply could be the difference between life and death.
It feels like we’ve just discussed futuristic scenarios. Yes, technology is growing at a rapid pace, but these topics are relevant in 2018. Renters and homeowners - listed below are some things that you should be considering in making decisions on finding a new home. Developers and apartment owners – these are key topics to not falling behind in the market place:
- Addressing the IoT and new amenity demands with In-Building Cellular Networks and DAS
- Ensuring compliance with Public Safety regulations early in the development process
- Densifying Community Networks with Small-Cell Deployment
- Preparing for the onset of 5G Technologies
Converged Services is committed to supporting our clients in all traditional broadband needs, proactive Public Safety compliance, and preparation for the onset of IoT and emerging cellular amenities. To learn more, speak with a dedicated consultant today. 
