Where to Get Your Fiber
Every multifamily community could probably use a little more fiber in its diet. A practical approach, though, can mean the difference between an incredibly expensive project and a cost-effective one.
1
Consider the clientele. Residents of high-end properties and students are more likely to demand the kinds of applications that need fiber to run efficiently. Assess the needs of your communities before embarking on a fiber plan.
2
It must fit. Don’t settle for a single-family solution “adapted” to the multifamily market. It’s probably not worth the space it takes up and the resulting headaches. Carriers are coming out with multifamily solutions beginning late this year.
3
Be prepared. You don’t have to run fiber in new buildings, but consider including microducts in your blueprints so fiber can be “blown” in later on.
4
Is three better than one? You must decide whether to give all of your business to a single provider. The upside: a single point of contact and responsibility and maybe some economies of scale. The downside: a single point of contact and responsibility at companies not known for their customer-centricity.
5
How far do you go? It might not be necessary to take fiber equipment all the way into the unit. A closet in the hallway 100 to 150 feet away may prove to be a better choice.