The importance of fibre to BTR
The importance of fibre-based internet for the build-to-rent sector in Australia
The build-to-rent sector is a new and growing segment of the Australian housing market, where institutional investors develop and manage purpose-built rental apartments. This model offers several benefits for both tenants and cities, such as long-term tenancies, high-quality amenities, flexible design and social diversity. However, to realise these benefits, the build-to-rent sector needs to adopt a sustainable approach to development and management, which includes providing fibre-based internet access to its residents.
Fibre-based internet is a type of broadband technology that uses optical fibres to transmit data at very high speeds. Unlike copper wires, which are prone to interference and degradation, fibre-optic cables can carry more data over longer distances with less loss and latency. This means fibre-based internet can offer faster and more reliable connectivity than other broadband technologies, such as ADSL, cable or satellite.
Fibre-based internet is especially important for the build-to-rent sector for several reasons. First, it can enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of the rental apartments, as many tenants value fast and reliable internet access as a key amenity. According to a survey by Apartmentdata.com, about 80% of apartment residents believe that living in green multifamily communities is good for their health, and younger generations are even willing to pay more for sustainable products and services.
Second, fibre-based internet can support the delivery of other sustainable features and services in the build-to-rent sector, such as smart home devices, energy efficiency measures, telehealth and telework options, and community engagement platforms. These features and services can improve the quality of life, health and well-being of the residents, as well as reduce the environmental impact of the buildings.
Third, fibre-based internet can contribute to the social and economic development of the cities where the build-to-rent sector operates. By providing high-speed connectivity to residents, businesses and public services in sought-after neighbourhoods, fibre-based internet can foster innovation, productivity and inclusion in the urban areas.
However, despite the importance of fibre-based internet for the build-to-rent sector, its availability and affordability are still limited in Australia. The government's National Broadband Network (NBN) project has faced many challenges and controversies since its inception in 2009. The original plan was to deploy fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology to 93% of Australian homes and businesses by 2021, but this was changed by the new government in 2013 to a mixed-technology model that relies heavily on existing copper wires. As a result, only about 29% of Australian premises have access to FTTP technology as of June 2021, while many others have to settle for slower and less reliable technologies such as fibre-to-the-node (FTTN), fibre-to-the-curb (FTTC), satellite or fixed wireless.
Frontier Networks is an expert in building and operating ultra-fast fibre optic networks. Not only do we provide the fibre optics, we also provide TV solution and building managements solutions. We have innovative models that provide both residents and operators with cost effective, reliable and brand accretive solutions. Our solutions will not only provide an operator with happy customers but an increase to your project's overall feasibility.
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