Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) looking to improve connectivity with their tenants can do so with the help of offering paid MDU Wi-Fi. Offering paid Wi-Fi to tenants provides numerous advantages for MDUs.

By providing seamless connectivity throughout the MDU space, residents will have constant access to high-speed internet services. This enhances a tenant’s renting experience and increases their living satisfaction.

Additionally, installing paid Wi-Fi networks offers property owners and managers a way to make money. These revenue opportunities include offering premium Wi-Fi packages or collaborating with service providers to offer value-added services.

Improved paid Wi-Fi networks in MDUs can improve connection while providing financial advantages to building owners or property managers.

The Benefits of Paid Wi-Fi for Property Managers

Property managers greatly benefit from creating a system that provides effective and compensated internet access within their multi-dwelling unit complex.

Revenue Potential

Landlords can create extra revenue streams by providing renters with paid Wi-Fi services.

Increased Tenant Satisfaction

Access to fast, dependable internet improves tenants’ overall quality of their renting experience.

Enhanced Network Performance

Paid Wi-Fi networks that have been optimized guarantee higher coverage and quicker speeds.

Streamlined administration

Setting up a centralized administration platform makes it simple for landlords to monitor and maintain the Wi-Fi network.

Strategic Edge

MDU properties equipped with optimized paid Wi-Fi present a unique and compelling selling point, attracting discerning renters who prioritize seamless connectivity. This technological advantage positions your offerings as a preferred choice for those who value a robust online experience.

The Benefits of Paid Wi-Fi for Tenants

Tenants of a multi-dwelling complex benefit from having a dependable paid internet connection since it makes one more accessible, productive, and satisfied.

Increased accessibility is first and foremost achieved by providing a steady connection that ensures ongoing access to online resources. This asset is valuable to tenants who need reliable internet for work, school, and entertainment.

Having internet service readily available to tenants offers them another benefit – peace of mind. Offering paid Wi-Fi to tenants eliminates the hassle of having to schedule and coordinate efforts with an internet service provider (ISP) to come and set up interment in their unit.

By not having to work with an ISP directly, tenants will also be given peace of mind of not being tethered to a contract regarding internet access. Property managers can offer tenants Wi-Fi access based on the length of the lease by offering paid Wi-Fi. If a tenant renews a lease, Wi-Fi access can be renewed simultaneously.

The Technological Benefits of Offering Paid Wi-Fi

Unlike traditional internet setups, having an in-house built network for an MDU space creates a more fluid network rather than a disruptive one.

By offering paid Wi-Fi to tenants, MDU spaces can optimize placing hardware devices where needed when setting up a network to offer paid Wi-Fi. Traditional internet setup in an MDU space requires a tenant to work with a third-party ISP and be provided with some hardware implementation (usually a router and modem setup) for the said tenant to gain internet access.

Requiring every tenant to set up their hardware for internet access can disrupt connectivity for tenants and their IoT devices. Thus potentially creating a less-than-appealing living experience.

Offering paid Wi-Fi improves the internet experience for tenants by delivering residents a reliable warp-speed connection. Imagine effortless access to online learning, streaming blockbuster films, and diving into other digital adventures – thanks to this tech transformation provided by the MDU.

Moreover, top-tier paid Wi-Fi offers property owners a competitive advantage, magnetizing prospective tenants searching for modern living infused with state-of-the-art technical amenities.

In essence, the implementation of optimal paid Wi-Fi possesses the power to revolutionize the lives of MDU inhabitants while simultaneously unlocking avenues of income for visionary building proprietors.

At GoZone WiFi, we are helping MDUs optimize their revenue generation through paid Wi-Fi. If you own or operate an MDU space and want to learn more about offering paid Wi-Fi to your tenants, contact us today to learn how we can help!

Houston-based company announces new brand identity to align with what is most important to its employees and customers – technology’s relationship to outcomes.

HOUSTON– SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 (BUSINESS WIRE)–World Cinema, the trusted provider of video, digital infrastructure, wireless connectivity, and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announces a new brand identity as WorldVue®. Rooted in the company’s core values and vision, this rebranding is a pivotal step toward realizing its long-term strategic goals and enabling WorldVue to position itself as the most relevant, trusted advisor. The name WorldVue represents a broader perspective, offering a clear vision of the future and emphasizing its dedication to innovation and growth to service every property across the globe.

“In August of 2022, we acquired Hospitality WiFi. Over the past year, we have focused on bringing together our mission to unify both companies as one. We are excited to announce our rebranding from World Cinema to WorldVue!” says Tommy Fatjo, Chief Executive Officer of WorldVue. “This decision was made to better reflect the evolution of the company, our industry and the needs of our clients and partners – all while ensuring a focus on an excellent customer experience.”

Founded in 1974, WorldVue is leading the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest and staff experience. This next chapter aims to position the company as the go-to platform for designing, building and supporting property technologies. As WorldVue, the company’s core values and vision are now even more elevated and support a journey of innovation, collaboration and service excellence. Those values, encapsulated by the acronym CHIRP™ (Coachable, Humble, Intelligent, Responsive, Persistent), define how WorldVue operates internally and externally.

“Our rebrand signifies our commitment to not only staying relevant and adaptable to the ever-changing market dynamics, but also to providing the best solutions for our customers,” adds Robert Grosz, President and Chief Operating Officer of WorldVue. “Since day one, we have rallied around the idea that the world benefits from technologies that allow us to connect with each other to deliver entertainment and information.”

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, WorldVue believes the best way to serve its customers is to champion its employees and trusted contractors. The company is customer-centric, but employee-focused. WorldVue’s team is its differentiator. To stay updated on future announcements and learn more about WorldVue, visit www.worldvue.com.

ABOUT WORLDVUE

WorldVue®, formerly known as World Cinema, Inc., is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises on a global basis. With a dedication to customer service, WorldVue leads the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WorldVue is a single point of contact for all of a property’s technology needs.

Founded in 1974, WorldVue is a privately held company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company serves over 7,000 properties with nearly 900,000 rooms under management. For more information, visit www.worldvue.com.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Emily Adams
worldcinema@phase3mc.com
336.870.5560

Ella Steele
Esteele@onewci.com
713.425.8343

BEDFORD, N.H. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Single Digits, a leading provider of intelligent managed networks, and OpenWiFi, a solution developed through the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), a global community of companies and organizations working together to advance global connectivity, today announced the successful deployment of an OpenWiFi network at the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Charlotte.

“The Single Digits Wi-Fi network deployment process was exceptional. We’re grateful to collaborate with forward-thinking organizations like them to significantly enhance our ability to provide comfort and convenience for the families we serve,” said Vicky Seksinsky, representative office administrator at RMHC of Greater Charlotte. “Staying connected with loved ones is paramount during a stay, and our new OpenWiFi network enables children and their families to do just that.”

The open source-based Wi-Fi network supports RMHC’s mission to embrace families of sick or injured children by providing the comfort and support of home during their greatest time of need. RMHC of Greater Charlotte’s mission aligns with Single Digits’ commitment to creating connected experiences that enhance the quality of life. This Wi-Fi deployment will offer families seamless internet connectivity, ensuring they can stay in touch with loved ones and access vital information during their stay.

“TIP OpenWiFi empowers us to deploy more affordable Wi-Fi networks at a faster rate while also delivering superior performance,” said Joe Martin, vice president of product management at Single Digits. “Backed by the TIP OpenWiFi community of collaborators, this collaborative solution is truly a game-changer for the Wi-Fi industry — and a better solution for global connectivity. This initiative with the RMHC of Greater Charlotte reinforces our dedication to delivering reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi access in important community venues and ultimately providing connectivity for good.”

Leveraging community-driven OpenWiFi architecture to enable part multivendor, managed Wi-Fi networks, Single Digits integrates its managed services through The Connected Life Platform™. The program facilitates the easy installation and zero-touch provisioning of access points from Edgecore and NetExperience’s cloud controller, resulting in an efficient and effective setup process for RMHC of Greater Charlotte.

“We are delighted to partner with industry leader Single Digits to bring the benefits of OpenWiFi to the RMHC of Greater Charlotte. The OpenWiFi solution is perfectly suited for the public good, with lower costs, better access and an open platform,” said Bernard Herscovici, CEO of NetExperience.

In the spirit of Wi-Fi for good, Single Digits, OpenWiFi, NetExperience and Edgecore all partnered on a fundraiser — Raise Love #forRMHC. For every like, comment, repost or share on LinkedIn, the companies will donate to ensure that funds raised can fill a pantry with snacks in the RMCH of Greater Charlotte’s Ronald McDonald Family Room.

Known for launching networks that provide social impact, OpenWiFi was named a Finalist for the 2023 Leading Lights Awards for Best Public-Private Partnership. Since launching in 2021, OpenWiFi networks have been deployed globally in multifamily housing, dormitories on U.S. military bases and other commercial environments.

About Single Digits:
We give end users The Connected Life Experience® — the seamless, effortless and robust connectivity experience they expect — and show property owners how to break the bounds of uninspired connectivity to increase revenue, improve customer and resident satisfaction and ultimately maximize property value. We offer complete guest, resident and customer internet and connectivity solutions, including enterprise-class software, network design, engineering, professional services, ongoing maintenance, network monitoring, multilingual support, revenue reporting and authentication tracking. We currently serve over 3,600 customers globally, comprised of over 1 million guest rooms and apartment units across multiple industries, including hospitality, student housing, multifamily and senior living. www.singledigits.com

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte:
RMHC of Greater Charlotte focuses on embracing families of sick or injured children by providing the comfort and support of home during their greatest time of need. Since 2011, we have served over 4,000 families from across the Carolinas, the country and the world. For more information, please visit www.rmhofcharlotte.org.

About OpenWiFi:
Launched in 2021, OpenWiFi is a community-developed open-source platform designed to lower the cost of developing and operating Wi-Fi networks. Designed to include a cloud controller SDK and switches and enterprise-grade access point firmware validated to work seamlessly together, the platform’s unique approach to Wi-Fi creates an open-source disaggregated technology stack without vendor lock-in, ensuring a cost-effective and seamless way to deploy connectivity in a variety of use cases. OpenWiFi was created through the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), a global community of companies and organizations that are driving open and disaggregated infrastructure solutions to advance global connectivity. The OpenWiFi community currently includes more than 300 participants, including service providers, OEMs, ODMs, software ISVs, system integrators, silicon vendors and industry organizations. Learn more about TIP OpenWiFi here.

About NetExperience:
NetExperience is leading the transition to a disaggregated Wi-Fi and LAN network. The NetExperience Cloud platform includes sophisticated, highly scalable WLAN controller and management capabilities designed for Wi-Fi service providers. The platform is compatible with the key components of the Telecom Infra Project OpenWiFi and OpenLAN architectures and is compatible with OpenWiFi access points and OpenLAN Switch hardware. www.netexperience.com

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain and Austin, TX – September 12, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance®, the leading Wi-Fi® industry organization, successfully hosted the first public demonstration of the next generation of Wi-Fi technology (“Wi-Fi 7”)  in the Middle East. The demonstration was organized in conjunction with the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) meeting in preparation for the upcoming 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23). As spectrum regulators gathered in Manama to consider regional alignment on WRC-23 agenda items, Wi-Fi Alliance demonstrated the critical importance of the 6.425-7.125 GHz band to the future of Wi-Fi in the Middle East and worldwide.

During the event, Wi-Fi Alliance® shared with the ASMG members the rapid growth of the Wi-Fi ecosystem in the 6 GHz frequency band, the socioeconomic benefits this brings to a country, and how the latest Wi-Fi technologies will further accelerate those benefits. Representatives from
Wi-Fi Alliance members – Broadcom, Cisco, HPE Aruba Networking, and Meta – showed how the latest generation of Wi-Fi operating in the full 6 GHz band drives innovation in their products and services to the benefit of consumers and businesses.

With the support of Broadcom, Wi-Fi Alliance hosted a regional first public demonstration of Wi-Fi 7 for ASMG participants. One demo showed the throughput capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 using Broadcom’s Wi-Fi 7 access point and client device reference designs. The demo showed a Wi-Fi 7 device operating in a 320 MHz channel at over 11 meters distance with throughputs of up to 3.7 Gbps downlink and 3.4 Gbps uplink. Another demo showed how multi-link operations (MLO) can provide deterministic low latency even when the radio waves are fully loaded.

Kevin Robinson, CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance said:

“Wi-Fi Alliance and industry partners are advocating for an outcome at WRC that will allow for licence-exempt use of the full 6 GHz band. Only then will the industry be able to deliver Wi-Fi’s full potential in the band, offering innovative new products and services that will support the connectivity agendas of countries around the world. By globally harmonizing use of this band for Wi-Fi, significant progress can be made to reduce congestion, leverage the potential of the growing number of fiber connections, and meet demand in a more energy efficient way.[1]” 

Chris Szymanski, director of product marketing for Broadcom’s Wireless Communications and Connectivity Division added:

“These demonstrations showcase the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 products that are sampling with our customers.  The demonstrations were in configurations that we expect to be widely available in the market soon. The opportunities are real. This is a win-win for Arab states and would allow administrations to make advanced wireless broadband services accessible to their citizens, while still giving priority to fixed satellite services and fixed microwave services.”

About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.

O-RAN brings revolution to the wireless industry by introducing openness, interoperability, and disaggregation in network architectures. Our video series, 3 for 3, provides 3 answers for 3 pressing questions about trends in wireless test. LitePoint’s Middle Wen discusses O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) and explores its unique functionalities that make it different from traditional RAN. He also talks about the benefits of O-RAN and the advantages of O-RAN RU testing using LitePoint’s advanced solutions.

Contact us to learn more about LitePoint’s advanced O-RAN RU testing solutions

Austin, Texas, – August 7, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance^® is augmenting Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6^® testing protocols to support the regulatory authorization process of 6 GHz standard power devices pursuant to recently published Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) guidance. Release of this new testing allows product vendors and service providers to verify that the 6 GHz standard power devices meet the technical requirements in Part 15, Subpart E of the FCC rules pertaining to operations under control of the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system.

Wi-Fi Alliance members undergoing Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 testing can leverage nine Wi-Fi Alliance accredited Authorized Test Laboratories (ATL) – that are also FCC-recognized accredited test labs –– to efficiently complete regulatory testing of their 6 GHz standard power devices.

Certification for Wi-Fi 6E devices, as part of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, helps ensure products meet high standards for interoperability, security, and a range of application specific protocols. Wi-Fi^® interoperability in 6 GHz promotes worldwide innovation and a diverse 6 GHz ecosystem. With the new standard power device testing capability, members can maximize efficiency and expediency in obtaining regulatory equipment authorization, while ensuring their devices meet high Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ standards.

Wi-Fi Alliance is leading the development of specifications, test plans, and training modules to enable implementation of 6 GHz standard power devices under control of the AFC system, and this new capability further underscores our work goal to drive the broadest possible adoption of 6 GHz. The AFC system approach maximizes spectrum availability for license-exempt devices, such as Wi-Fi, by dynamically determining channel availability at specified locations to avoid and protect licensed operations in the 6 GHz frequency band.

Additional information is available through our website: Wi-Fi Alliance 6 GHz AFC Resources

About Wi-Fi Alliance^® |  www.wi-fi.org

Wi-Fi Alliance^® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi^®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.

What is digital infrastructure and why should it be a primary focus?

Digital infrastructure is the foundation for connected operations, offering the means for the continuous transfer of large amounts of data to support solutions that use that data. It’s the backbone of the technology ecosystem, playing a vital role in almost every part of a property’s operations.

Several types of digital infrastructure are commonly used in hospitality and residential properties:

• Fiber offers many benefits over other options:
  • High bandwidth, fast speeds, low latency, and less “lossy” over distanceLonger service life (typically 20+ years)Easier to scaleSafer due to its inability to generate sparksLess subject to interference from electrical noise in the surrounding environmentMore secure data transmission
  • More environmentally friendly
• Copper cabling such as CAT6/6A Ethernet is another option, with pros and cons:
  • Less expensive than fiber in terms of material costs, but needs more frequent replacement
  • Lower capacity than fiber, but faster than other cabling or wireless options
• Multiplexer technology can be used to deliver gigabit bandwidth over an existing coaxial cabling infrastructure, usually for specific applications such as in-room entertainment.
• Wireless backhaul solutions are useful for situations where wired solutions would be impractical or impossible (such as linking one wing of a building to another across a well-used public space like a lobby), but they also have some drawbacks:
  • Less disruptive to install
  • Require more maintenance and either line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight positioning
  • Subject to many types of interference from the surrounding environment
  • Usually less available bandwidth
  • Transmissions tend to be slower

Some technologies that can be used for wireless backhaul include:

• WiFi, especially gigabit WiFi, uses high-speed, high-capacity access points to transmit larger amounts of data; these APs may even include technology to improve non-line-of-sight transmission to cover broader areas.
• Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) uses spectrum recently approved for commercial use. CBRS offers 5G speeds and lower latency than WiFi and can handle a large amount of traffic that will not be disrupted by local WiFi or cellular networks.

In recent years, we’ve seen exciting developments in technology for hospitality and residential properties: updated standards that support better WiFi, a wider variety of in-room entertainment options, and solutions for greater automation and personalization. These technologies all require robust connectivity that can support large amounts of data. But even as these connected applications shift from options to necessities, affecting whether people choose your property and how much they’re willing to spend, many properties may not have the needed digital infrastructure to support them.

What are the risks of not having the right digital infrastructure?

There are several risks in not upgrading your digital infrastructure:

• You’re likely to get complaints from guests and residents, potentially resulting in lower reviews and the loss of business to other properties. Also, guests are seeking a home-like experience, and both hotel guests and MDU residents place a premium on smart capabilities; if you can’t offer these things, you’ll lose business to others who can.
• It is more expensive to keep older infrastructure running and to keep your existing systems running without the insight and control that comes with having a modern digital infrastructure.
• Older solutions may not require connectivity, but their downsides include a lack of support and potential shortages of replacement equipment.
• Older non-connected systems are more difficult to manage. For example, staff can’t just apply updates and settings across all locations from the cloud if they’re not using connected solutions.
• There are security risks/vulnerabilities in older infrastructure and solutions that don’t have modern security features built in. There is also the potential for failure of systems that don’t have cloud backup, such as phone systems with local PBX or CCTV with only on-site recordings.
• It’s getting harder to recruit and maintain good staff, and surveys indicate that upgrading technology is now a key strategy for staff recruitment and retention in the hospitality industry.

What kinds of solutions can the right digital infrastructure enable?

Digital infrastructure supports solutions that can provide a better experience, improve efficiency, and offer cost savings. Below are some examples of how this might look in practice.

Common amenities and basic operations

Items such as phones, TVs, and your front desk might seem basic, but how well they work can make the difference between a pleasing experience that’s easy to manage and a difficult experience that offers more pain than enjoyment. The right digital infrastructure can help:

• Fast, accessible, reliable WiFi throughout the property (indoors and outdoors) is noted as a must-have for hotel guests and MDU residents.
• With modern VoIP phone systems, either premise-based or cloud-based, it’s crucial to have a reliable way to transmit data, not only for performance but also for management and updates.
• Common area CCTV cameras use digital infrastructure for real-time monitoring and to transmit data from cameras to storage in the back office or the cloud.
• Both front office and back office functions rely on digital infrastructure, including everything from touch-free check-in options to your PMS.
• Restaurants and event spaces require digital infrastructure to support things like your POS system, business presentations, and conference offerings.
• Entertainment options need a robust digital infrastructure that can handle large streams of data, especially for newer options. Most hotel guests now say they’d like to be able to cast content from their own devices, and over 1/3 say that would influence their choice of hotel.

Smart solutions and the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an environment of connected objects such as sensors and controls that are often incorporated into smart solutions. This kind of technology ecosystem can result in better service and improved operations at lower cost and offers the smart, contactless, personalized functionality that guests and residents are coming to expect.

Smart solutions enabled by a robust digital infrastructure include:

• Operational monitoring and automation using smart thermostats, smart lighting, and other items with occupancy sensors and/or check-in/check-out data can improve energy management by adjusting settings based on whether a room is occupied.
• Workforce automation technology can improve the efficiency of your staff, improve workflow, and reduce burnout.
• Similarly, in smart event spaces hosts can easily adjust door access settings, temperature, lighting, and more based on the needs of an event.
• Mobile keys offer touchless functionality, allow for remote configuration and management, reduce operating costs, and improve the security of your entire property.
• Personalization of settings for climate control, lighting, audio, and more can make guests and residents feel more at home, and they’re increasingly asking for these features.
• Maintenance and logistics solutions offer preventive maintenance to detect issues before guests or residents complain and to respond more quickly to their needs. For example, smart solutions are available that monitor for problems such as air quality issues and water leaks.
• For greater efficiency of operations, you can use smart solutions with asset tracking sensors to alert your staff when shelves need to be restocked, RFID & GPS tags to track and locate equipment such as food trays and luggage carts, and usage tracking to determine when to restock inventory.

Going beyond the basics

A properly planned and implemented digital infrastructure will be ready to support technologies that are only now being envisioned and developed, as well as some that are just starting to be used at higher-end properties, such as:

• Guests and residents are seeking a touchless approach. Voice-controlled devices allow guests and residents to order room service, schedule appointments, access concierge services, adjust lighting, temperature, curtains, and door locks, control TV and entertainment options, and more.
• Some properties are now using robots and virtual assistants to alleviate staff shortages and provide touchless service while maintaining high service scores.
• Modern properties are also implementing technologies such as AR/VR and facial recognition to add to the “wow!” factor by providing new ways of interacting with the property.

As connected solutions are increasingly adopted by hotels and MDUs, the need for fast, reliable, high-bandwidth data transmission is always growing. Without a modern digital infrastructure, properties can add all the services in the world, but they won’t be fully functional. The right digital infrastructure can tie everything together, making solutions easier & less expensive to operate & manage, as well as improving the guest/resident experience, making operations more efficient, and saving money.