3 Ways Multifamily Developers Can Ensure a Smooth Fiber Installation

Fiber internet has become a multifamily industry standard. Developers with ground-up projects are installing fiber infrastructure as part of the standard utilities package to accommodate internet demand today and future-proof the property as resident connectivity needs evolve.

Fiber internet companies like Quantum Fiber have created an easy process to take most of the work from the developer’s plate. Developers will still need to help ensure a smooth process by understanding their role in the installation and, more specifically, what fiber internet providers need to execute an installation plan.

Here are a multifamily developer’s primary three responsibilities when working with a provider to install fiber internet infrastructure in a new project.

Communicating Construction Plans and Modifications

A ground-up multifamily development is a fluid process that changes and adapts over the lifespan of the project. To properly respond to changes, it is important to include all stakeholders, including the fiber internet provider, in early design and preconstruction planning meetings. “Some projects can take years between initial designs/plans, permits and construction phases. During that time details can evolve, and constant updates and communication is vital to the project’s success,” says Adam Owen, lead project manager for Quantum Fiber.

Developers should communicate all architectural plans, electrical plans, and site plans to the fiber provider, along with any updates to construction scheduling, leasing strategy and occupancy move-in dates, explains Owen, all of which can impact the fiber installation. Communicating plans and changes early will help the fiber internet provider align with changes.

Providing a Pathway and Proper Space

Fiber internet cables run underground, typically in a joint trench with other wiring, then inside the building’s walls, via conduit, to provide optimal connectivity to each unit. Developers should ensure there is coordination and a design plan for pathways in which the fiber wiring connects on-site to distribution hubs, such as a main distribution frame (MDF) or Telco room and continues to all secondary intermediate distribution frames (IDF) locations. According to Owen, these access spaces should have proper power connection and grounding, and a fire-rated backboard.

From these distribution hub(s), fiber cables are pulled inside conduit to multiple areas of the property, including individual units, the building lobby, administrative offices and outdoor areas that require an internet connection.

Onsite wiring and connections

Once there is power to each unit and drywall and paint are complete, WiFi equipment, like modems or wireless access points, are installed by fiber technicians. Indoor equipment is placed in media panels or wall-mounted spaces in homes, gyms, and the property’s business offices. If the developer chooses to include RJ45 jacks within each individual unit, they must wire these directly to the WiFi equipment area, normally in a composite media panel. Equipment can strategically be installed outdoors for property common areas such as play areas, lounge or pool area. This final task of completing end-to-end wiring from IDFs and RJ45s to the WiFi equipment should be completed a minimum of 30 days prior to occupancy.

Plans, spaces, and connections are essential for fiber installation and continuous coordination is the key. For these reasons, it is essential to engage the fiber installation team early  – before moving dirt (article by GlobeSt).

With a few responsibilities, developers can still expect the fiber provider to execute the complete installation and provide a clear outline of the things they will need on site. “As a project leader, I start all projects with a kick-off call. I help identify every stakeholder, including our engineers, the developer, and construction partners to review the latest plans and coordinate our schedules. This helps me to ensure maximum efficiency and all deadlines are met,” says Owen.

For more insights and thought leadership from Quantum Fiber, click here.

Although our fiber service usually means 100% fiber-optic network to your location, in limited circumstances Quantum Fiber may need to deploy alternative technologies coupled with a non-fiber connection from a certain point (usually the curb) to your location in order to provide the advertised download speeds. Limited availability. Service in select locations only. Quantum Fiber may change, cancel, or substitute offers and services, or vary them by service area, at its sole discretion without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.