S
eptember 2021
Much has changed since the arrival of COVID in March 2020.
Building-wide internet access is now required for common areas and entertainment; electronic communications and security; and monitoring and systems to improve or measure air quality, lighting, temperature and ventilation.
One of the more dramatic changes now recognized is the need for strong and consistent access to the internet when at home – both in-suite and throughout common areas. With homes also serving as office, classroom and workout space our personal requirements have changed. Internet access is more essential than it was previously. Dead zones, areas where the internet is not accessible, are unnecessary and indicative of poor planning.
Wi-Fi offers a way to simultaneously serve the needs of all building residents.
Broadband consumption, which is how internet use is measured, had been increasing at a rate of 25 percent a year. Starting in Q1 2020, the beginning of COVID, broadband consumption has been increasing at a rate of 47 percent. This rate is likely to be maintained or even increase as communities expand on co-working and social space; electronic communications and security; and monitoring and systems to improve or measure air quality, lighting, temperature and ventilation. In the home personal security systems and electronic entertainment devices are more heavily utilized. All of this requires internet access.
High-rise communities tend to have better internet access than single-family homes. With increased demand for internet access virtually everywhere, improved access will be increasingly important.
