The Present: These days, we are driven and focused on data and media consumption. The fiber optic technology continues to strengthen and the need for gigabit speeds becomes more and more evident.
It is important to engage with a telecommunication service provider that specializes in community associations offering bulk discounted rates.
The Future -FTTH: (Fiber to the Home) connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity and a requirement to provide for virtual remote distance learning, video streaming, entertainment, security, telemedicine, Zoom conferencing, remote work, and the use of multiple devices. Fiber to the Home (FTTH) provides residents increased faster speeds. According to New Street Research, Company Data, over the next decade FTTH deployment could increase by 20 million to 60 million. This would take FTTH availability from 25 percent to 35 percent of households.
The market research firm Strategy Analytics stated that while in 2020 we spent $90.7 billion on traditional pay TV (an 8% drop from 2019) and $39.5 billion on streaming (a 34% jump from the year before), by 2024 legacy pay TV will only account for $74.47 billion—with streaming ahead at $76.3 billion.
Telecommunication services are changing and negotiating a contract that protects the residents and property values takes time, understanding and education! Determine what makes sense when upgrading the existing infrastructure to meet future needs.
Fiber optics, or optical fibers, are long, thin strands of carefully drawn glass about the diameter of a human hair. These strands are arranged in bundles called optical cables.
Fiber optic internet is the way of the future for delivering broadband.
As the industry shifts to fiber optic cable for faster internet speeds, many associations will be negotiating new contracts. With fiber optic internet, the association has the flexibility and infrastructure to increase up to 10 Gb speeds over a more reliable network. The installation of the physical fiber requires digging the fiber to the building and the over-build and launch process. Fiber has virtually unlimited bandwidth and its durability will last for years to come! Fiber is future ready and fast!
Things to Consider: When seeking a new service provider, here are some things to consider:
- Does the association currently have a bulk service agreement for internet, television and/or phone services in place and if so, will it expire or renew within 24 months? It takes time to evaluate your options for your residents and common areas.
- How much space is available in the association’s telecom rooms?
- Does the agreement provide for an access or easement agreement and if so, what are the options?
- How many different paths to the building can the fiber cable take?
- Is there sufficient power for the fiber-optic technology?
- Will the service and fiber technicians and employees of the telecommunications company be direct hires or are they subs/1099 employees?
- What speeds does the service provider are offer for the upload and download? Are they symmetrical?
- Does the service provider offer a community channel?
- What options for programming will the service provider offer (retail) outside of what the association’s bulk contract will provide?
- Are there any startup costs or installation fees?
- What are the fees for a technician to come out for a non-related company service call?
- Does the service provider offer bundling TV, internet, and phone service packages to homeowners to save money?
- Does the service provider offer incentives for switching providers?
- Does the service provider offer temporary suspensions for snowbirds/seasonal residents?
- Does the service provider offer an assigned Account Manager?
- Does the service provider offer an SLA (Service Level Agreement) defining the service requirements?
- Does the service provider offer the latest and greatest Wi-Fi based mesh network solution?
- Does the service provider offer security solutions?
Hotwire Communications is a pioneering leader in fiber optic technology and has been providing cutting - edge fiber-based telecommunication services since 2000. A Florida-grown company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Hotwire Communications has regional offices throughout the United States. Our client experience is our goal, and we strive to provide the white glove experience for internet, video, phone, and security services.