Let's be honest: high-quality internet isn't an amenity anymore. It's a utility, as essential as water, electricity, or HVAC. Your residents expect it to work flawlessly the moment they move in, and they'll judge your property harshly if it doesn't.
But here's the question most MDU owners aren't asking: Who actually owns the digital infrastructure inside your walls?
If you're still signing exclusive agreements that hand over control to a single carrier, you're leaving money on the table, and limiting your property's long-term value. In 2026, the smartest property owners are shifting the model entirely. They're not just offering bulk fiber internet. They're owning the infrastructure themselves.
This post breaks down why bulk fiber ranks as the #2 amenity (right behind in-unit laundry), how infrastructure ownership changes the ROI equation, and what you can do to capture revenue that's currently flowing straight to ISPs.
Why In-Unit Laundry Still Wins (But Fiber Is Closing the Gap)
Survey after survey confirms that in-unit washer/dryer hookups remain the most requested apartment amenity. It makes sense, nobody wants to haul laundry down three flights of stairs or fight for machines on Sunday night.
But bulk fiber internet is rapidly closing the gap, especially among younger renters and remote workers. Here's what the data shows for 2026:
- Properties with fiber connectivity command 8–12% higher rents compared to those stuck on cable or DSL
- Lease renewal rates improve by 15–20% when high-speed fiber is included
- Fiber increases overall property value by 3–5% on average, comparable to adding a half bathroom
For prospective tenants, fiber connectivity often determines whether they even schedule a tour. Properties without it increasingly struggle to compete for quality residents.
The Real Differentiator: Owning Your Digital Infrastructure
Here's where most property owners get it wrong.
They sign a bulk agreement with a single carrier, feel good about offering "free" or "included" internet, and move on. But what they've actually done is sign away their rights to the infrastructure inside their own building.
That carrier now controls the fiber, the hardware, the pricing, and the upgrade timeline. Your residents are locked into one provider. And when that provider underperforms or raises rates? You have zero leverage.
The alternative is the "Own Your Digital Infrastructure" model. Instead of handing over control, you own the fiber and hardware yourself. The benefits compound quickly:
1. Increased Property Value
Owned infrastructure is a long-term asset that shows up on your balance sheet. Appraisers increasingly factor technology infrastructure into multifamily valuations, recognizing fiber as a future-proof investment that reduces obsolescence risk.
When you own it, it appreciates with your property, not someone else's.
2. Carrier Neutrality and Resident Choice
With infrastructure ownership, you're not locked into a single ISP. You can offer multiple service providers, giving residents more choices and better service. Competition keeps prices fair and quality high.
This flexibility also protects you from carrier consolidation, service degradation, or contract disputes down the road.
3. New Revenue Streams
This is the part most owners miss entirely.
When you own the infrastructure, you can capture a portion of the service revenue that usually goes straight to the ISP. Depending on your market and agreement structure, this can translate to $20–$30+ per unit per month in additional NOI.
That's not a minor line item. On a 200-unit property, we're talking $48,000–$72,000 annually in revenue that would otherwise disappear into a carrier's pocket.
4. Future-Proofing and Control
Technology moves fast. The gigabit speeds that feel cutting-edge today will be baseline expectations in three years. When you own the infrastructure, you control the upgrades, not a provider operating on their own timeline and budget priorities.
You can add capacity when you need it, integrate smart building systems, and adapt to whatever connectivity standards emerge next.
The Financial Case: Bulk Fiber ROI by the Numbers
Let's talk specifics. Based on current market data, here's what property owners are seeing with well-structured bulk fiber programs:
| Metric | Typical Impact |
|---|---|
| Per-unit cost reduction vs. individual plans | 30–40% lower |
| Monthly NOI increase per unit | $20–$28+ |
| Rental premium over cable/DSL properties | 8–12% |
| Lease renewal rate improvement | 15–20% |
| Property value increase | 3–5% |
Bulk agreements also include perks that offset operational costs, like free internet service to model units and leasing offices. Lines that might ordinarily cost $300–$400 monthly suddenly become included.
For a deeper dive into how bulk internet programs impact NOI specifically, check out our guide: MDU Bulk Internet & Digital Infrastructure: How Apartment Owners Boost NOI with Seamless Connectivity.
How Infrastructure Ownership Actually Works
If you're used to the traditional carrier model, owning your own fiber might sound complicated. It's not, when you have the right advisor.
Here's the simplified version:
- Assessment: Evaluate your building's current infrastructure, pathways, and readiness for fiber deployment
- Design: Plan the fiber network, hardware placement, and service delivery model
- Procurement: Source equipment and installation services at competitive rates (this is where vendor-neutral expertise pays off)
- Installation: Deploy the infrastructure with minimal resident disruption
- Service Activation: Connect with one or multiple ISPs who lease access to your network
- Ongoing Management: Maintain the network, manage provider relationships, and capture revenue
The key is working with an advisor who isn't tied to a single carrier. Someone who can evaluate all your options objectively and structure agreements that protect your interests.
For the complete framework, read our detailed guide: Own Your Digital Infrastructure: The 2026 Guide for MDU Owners & Business Leaders.
Common Objections (And Why They Don't Hold Up)
"I don't want to become an ISP."
You're not. You own the infrastructure; service providers still deliver the actual internet service. Think of it like owning the building's electrical system, you don't generate the power, but you control the wiring.
"This sounds expensive upfront."
It can require capital investment, but the ROI timeline is often 18–36 months. And depending on your situation, there are financing structures and provider partnerships that reduce or eliminate upfront costs.
"My current carrier agreement has years left."
That's common. The best time to plan is before your agreement expires, so you're not negotiating from a weak position. Start the conversation now, even if implementation is 12–24 months away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between bulk internet and owning the infrastructure?
Bulk internet means negotiating a volume discount with a carrier for service. Owning the infrastructure means you own the actual fiber and hardware inside your building, then lease access to carriers, giving you control, flexibility, and revenue participation.
How much does it cost to install fiber infrastructure in an MDU?
Costs vary significantly based on building age, size, and existing infrastructure. New construction is substantially cheaper than retrofits. A vendor-neutral advisor can provide accurate estimates for your specific property.
Can I still offer bulk internet pricing to residents if I own the infrastructure?
Yes. In fact, your negotiating position improves because carriers compete for access to your network. Residents often get better service at lower prices.
What happens if technology changes and fiber becomes obsolete?
Fiber has significant longevity: the physical infrastructure can support dramatically higher speeds than current standards. Upgrades typically involve equipment at the endpoints, not replacing the fiber itself.
How do I get started evaluating this for my property?
The first step is a technology assessment of your current infrastructure and a financial analysis of ownership vs. traditional carrier agreements.
Ready to Stop Giving Away Your Digital Infrastructure Revenue?
At Premier Business Team, we help property owners shift from the traditional carrier model to true infrastructure ownership. We act as your vendor-neutral advisor: evaluating options, negotiating agreements, and managing implementation: often at zero cost to you because providers pay us.
No carrier bias. No hidden agendas. Just straightforward guidance on capturing the connectivity revenue that should be yours.
Contact Premier Business Team to schedule a no-obligation conversation about your property's digital infrastructure options. Let's build something you actually own.
