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.

With technology constantly evolving there are many upgrades that can be added to your property to improve the resident experience. Here are the top 10 technologies to upgrade your MDU.

Smart Home Technology/Mobile Apps 

Smart home technology is expected to become more common in multifamily buildings as residents feel convenience is key. It allows residents to control lighting, temperature, security, and even appliances all from their smartphones or voice-activated devices. Smart home technology has revolutionized the way residents interact with their living spaces. This level of automation enhances the resident’s experience, providing a seamless and connected living environment. For property owners, smart home technology also offers significant benefits. By automating appliances like energy management, property owners can reduce operational costs and increase energy efficiency. Additionally, smart home technology is a major selling point for potential tenants, as it promotes modern and sustainable living options.

Internet of Things (IoT) 

IoT refers to the interconnection of devices through the internet, allowing them to communicate and share data. IoT will continue to drive innovation in the multifamily industry. It can be used to create a network of interconnected devices, such as thermostats, security systems, lighting, and appliances, which can be controlled and monitored remotely. This type of connectivity enables property managers to optimize resource usage, monitor equipment performance, and automate maintenance tasks. For instance, IoT sensors can detect equipment failures anywhere on the property and send real-time alerts to management to take action. This proactive approach to maintenance not only reduces downtime and repair costs but also enhances tenant satisfaction by minimizing disruptions.

Predictive Maintenance 

Predictive maintenance expands on what IoT can do for property owners. By using data analytics and machine learning algorithms to predict when maintenance issues are likely to occur, allowing for proactive repairs and replacements. This will become more common in multifamily properties, so it is essential to invest now. Predictive maintenance analyzes data from various sources, such as equipment sensors, maintenance logs, and weather patterns. It identifies patterns and anomalies that indicate potential failures. This enables property owners and managers to schedule maintenance activities based on actual need rather than relying on fixed schedules, reducing costs and maximizing equipment lifespan. Additionally, predictive maintenance can also help prevent emergency breakdowns, which can be disruptive and costly for both property owners and tenants.

Virtual Tours and 3D Modeling  

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual tours and 3D modeling in the real estate industry. These technological upgrades allow property owners to showcase their properties to potential tenants remotely. This eliminates the need for physical visits and increasing convenience. Virtual tours and 3D modeling create immersive and interactive experiences, allowing potential tenants to virtually walk through units, view floor plans, and visualize living spaces as if they were physically present. This not only saves time and effort but also expands the reach of property marketing efforts. This benefits potential tenants who can explore properties from anywhere, at any time. Additionally, virtual tours and 3D modeling can be easily updated and customized, making them a cost-effective and flexible marketing tool for property owners.

Digital Signage 

Digital signage allows property owners to display informative and interactive content on screens throughout their properties. It can be used to enhance the residents’ experience in a number of ways, such as building directories, displaying local events and announcements, and showcasing property amenities. By strategically placing screens in common areas, such as lobbies, elevators, and fitness centers, property owners can improve communication and engagement with tenants, creating a more connected and informed community. Digital signage is a way for properties to differentiate themselves from competitors.

In Conclusion

As the demand for modern and connected living environments continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for MDU’s to keep up. Find a trusted technology partner to grow your property. World Cinema can provide all the essential technology property owners need. This includes digital signage, surveillance equipment, cell-boosting capabilities and so much more.

To learn more about our infrastructure solutions and the updating process, please visit https://www.wcitv.com

The guest experience goes beyond kind staff and clean rooms. While those aspects, among many others, are key to a top-tier hotel stay, accessibility and customer service are equally as important. In today’s strong digital age, guests greatly value enhanced WiFi service that they can depend on. That is, WiFi that very rarely experiences issues, such as lack of consistent connection or security. The same goes for the hotel team members whose job performance and satisfaction partially depend on the quality of tools with which they are provided, including their WiFi network and its capabilities. As a decision maker in the hospitality world, it’s imperative to do the homework that is required when establishing a partnership with a company whose service holds this level of importance and responsibility.

Meet Hospitality WiFi, a WCI Company

High-quality WiFi isn’t just a product. It’s a service. And, that’s what sets Hospitality WiFi apart. Here’s how it works: For a flat monthly fee depending on the size of the network, Hospitality WiFi will provide a hotel the latest equipment, monitor and manage its network, and deliver 24/7/365 technical support. This allows for business owners and general managers to eliminate usage, security and network issues from their plate, leaving it up to a team of experts.

Notable features include:

• 24/7/365 Cloud Managed WiFi
• Cloud-based Dashboard – monitor and manage the hotel’s network
• High-Density Access Points – enterprise-grade equipment
• Nationwide Coverage – available in all 50 states
• Centralized Authentication – repeat guests sign in once
• Custom Splash Page – personalize the property’s login page
• Bandwidth Management – implement bandwidth usage policies

#1 HSIA Choice Of Multiple Major Hotel Flags

As the #1 choice for HSIA (High Speed Internet Access) for multiple major hotel flags such as Best Western, Choice Hotels, and IHG, Hospitality WiFi has an established reputation that reflects the level of service each customer receives, expects and deserves. To best manage each exceptional feature at all times, guests are provided with a Property Management Dashboard. This tool allows team members to maintain a real-time view of the guest network while managing and monitoring guest internet access across the board with full visibility.

Benefits of the Property Management Dashboard include:

• Easy way to view your current health and usage of your network
• Helps you manage your guest Internet access, including how much bandwidth guests are using at your property and how they’re using it
• View network and equipment status, support data, and usage data all in one place
• Can be viewed from anywhere you can connect to the Internet

Feature highlights and supported features include:

• Made for the hospitality industry
• View equipment status, support data, and usage patterns
• Manage pay plans, bandwidth, support calls, and other aspects
• Receive notifications of equipment outages to enable proactive resolution
• Offers multiple user logins/tiers for admins and managers
• Compatible with the latest technology, including many popular gateway and access points
• Ability to brand portal
• Custom reporting options for greater flexibility

Invest in Reliability and Improve Your Guest Experience

Ultimately, selecting a premier WiFi management service is one of the greatest investments when mapping out the key components that promote success points from seamless operations and staff productivity to return customers and industry credibility. Best-in-class WiFi is not just providing a great product, it’s also providing a reliable service that offers scalable management tools, ensures security and connectivity for guests, guarantees prompt customer support, and maintains up-to-date technology.

Learn more about Hospitality WiFi at www.wcitv.com/hospitality-wifi and contact us today to see how we can serve you.

World Cinema will leverage the transformative power of the Now Platform to deliver frictionless customer service experiences to hotels and properties worldwide 

HOUSTON, Texas (March 22, 2023) – World Cinema, a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announced a collaboration with ServiceNow to deliver seamless customer experiences through automation, digital workflows, and unprecedented transparency. World Cinema will use ServiceNow to consolidate customer service inquiries onto a single platform for clear and consistent communication and fast time to resolution, while reducing costs. 

“We are excited to work with ServiceNow to transform the customer experience,” said Robert Grosz, President at World Cinema. “Today more than ever, experiences are going to be remembered, and we are building a new category to create a unique platform for deploying and supporting all technology for guest-centric property owners. We are focused on staging experiences and delivering that experience every time, no exceptions.”

World Cinema will use ServiceNow Customer Service Management (CSM) and Field Service Management (FSM) to quickly respond to customer inquiries, such as WiFi connectivity issues at a hotel. ServiceNow will help streamline operations for customer service agents, field technicians, and customers, enable self-service across channels and empower agents with real-time information and intelligence. FSM will help ensure that when a technician is required on-site, the right person with the right certifications, tools, and resources required for installations, repairs, and maintenance, is sent to complete the job.

“World Cinema’s mission to deliver exceptional technology and service experiences to hotels worldwide aligns with ServiceNow’s commitment to simplify complex processes and connect people and systems on a single platform,” said John Ball, senior vice president and general manager, customer and industry workflows at ServiceNow. “Together, we will enable hotels to streamline their customer service operations, resolve issues quickly, and ultimately provide the connected and frictionless experiences that guests expect and deserve.”

World Cinema’s investment in transforming service reflects the company’s bold mission to be “of service” to empower technology solutions at every guest-centric property in the world. Through this journey, systems will be aligned to automate requests, proactively address issues, and deliver effortless experiences.

Technology and connectivity is a pervasive foundational component for today’s guest-centric environments. The complexities of the ever-changing, but commoditized, universe of property technologies must be simplified through well executed collaboration. Establishing omni-channel communications to provide transformational customer service and improved customer self-help tools will re-define what it means to be a critical solutions provider to these properties, allowing the delivery of a premium experience that property operators and owners covet. To learn more about World Cinema, visit www.wcitv.com. 

###

ABOUT WORLD CINEMA

World Cinema, Inc. (WCI) 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, WCI leads the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WCI is a single point of contact for all of a property’s technology needs.

Founded in 1974, WCI 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.wcitv.com

Curious to know the upcoming 2023 technology trends? At World Cinema, we researched the industry and developed the following top two technology upgrades you can expect to see in the upcoming year:

Robots?

While we don’t expect robots to ever replace authentic, human-centered interaction, we do expect they’ll continue to grow in influence, making them the number one 2023 technology trend. Automated technology helps hotels with operations, the behind-the-scenes. The hotels that have used this technology exceptionally well are those that use automation to power the guest experience, using robotics to perform mundane tasks in order to provide time for employees to provide better, more personalized hands-on customer service. For instance, Dream Hollywood has implemented two robots that they use to deliver extra toiletries, etc. to guests. This frees up team members to provide those really exceptional experiences luxury guests are looking for.

However, it’s important to maintain the balance between using robots to automate operations without interfering negatively with the guest experience. People still want to interact with people, and what Dream Hollywood is doing differently is integrating their robots into the guest experience, and having them accompany staff and perform otherwise mundane duties is where they’re differentiating themselves positively.

Guest Demands

Guests are absolutely delighted when they see guest-facing robotics. They are quite savvy, however, to automation, especially when it takes away, rather than enhances, their experience. For instance, guests are not particularly thrilled when they check in at a kiosk, especially if they aren’t given the option of speaking with an agent at the desk. At boutique hotels, in particular, guests are in no particular hurry, they aren’t looking to minimize content and speed up their time in the hotel. They prefer to be greeted by a guest agent and then, say, handed a personalized cocktail by a robot in the lobby. Keeping that human connection is essential as we mix robotics and automation into the guest experience.

Enhanced Connectivity

Wireless networking technology is constantly evolving both from a features and value standpoint. Exceptionality occurs when connectivity solutions are not only scalable but transcend flawless functionality across all industries and their respective applications, both current and future, without impacting the customer. We’ve gone from providing a commoditized product to designing and executing digital business strategies, which focus on developing unique customer-centric solutions that are in alignment with end-user device and application modernization.

The average consumer is reliant on robust internet connectivity in their daily lives, to not only entertain themselves but to work, socialize and interact with the outside world. In addition to supporting residents’ personal devices, apartment Wi-Fi needs to support the property’s common areas and associated devices like cameras, lock systems, etc. Multifamily communities typically feature some sort of business area which advertises free Wi-Fi for residents to use at their leisure.

Process Automation

Automation is a growing sector of all enterprise, hospitality, and multifamily operations. Smart thermostats and lighting devices can significantly improve energy efficiency and financial performance for multifamily communities by monitoring usage and remotely controlling operations, with some companies reporting savings of 10-15% (Think Energy, 2022). Smart thermostats can adapt to a property’s unique needs through artificial learning, motion detectors, and pattern recognition, creating a seamless experience for residents and staff. Updating property technology with updated technologies like temperature controls and smart lighting allows management to monitor energy usage in real-time, providing insight into how the property is consuming energy.

Access Control

Access control is an increasingly important component of smart building technology as it enhances safety and security for communities. This value-added service offering is beneficial for residents, guests, and staff in addition to building owners and managers as it simplifies remote monitoring and security management. When combined with an AI-based common area camera system, properties can use facial recognition to allow or refuse access to specific areas. Additionally, managers can utilize video-based intercom systems and remote boundary alerts to enhance security and monitor suspicious activity.

As a technology company with a rich history in the property technology industry, our many years in business and deep expertise solidify World Cinema and Hospitality WiFi as a credible source for technological commentary. Below are our predictions for wireless connectivity and emerging applications that will depend upon improved networks, as well as how these technologies will transform our future.

The combination of World Cinema and Hospitality WiFi creates a converged services powerhouse serving approximately 7,000 properties representing over 900,000 rooms

HOUSTON, June 27, 2022—World Cinema, Inc.(“WCI”), a leader in deploying and serving property technology for over forty years, today announced it has entered an agreement to acquire Ohio-based Hospitality WiFi LLC, a global leader in delivering Internet Protocol-based wired and wireless networking experiences to the hospitality industry. The combination creates the most customer-centric, well-rounded, and qualified technology services partner for brands, owners, and managers in the institutional real estate industry.

Hospitality WiFi was formed over 21 years ago to satisfy the then-emerging need for hotels to add Wi-Fi connectivity to their guest experiences. Growing to over 2,800 properties on over 5 continents, they have been instrumental in satisfying the growing needs of guest connectivity.

“A real attraction to Hospitality WiFi is the team and their attitude towards their customers. It’s the same culture that has allowed World Cinema to deliver substantial organic growth and success over the past four decades. This is the beginning of a powerful combination which will deliver benefits to our clients and create opportunities for the employees and loyal partners of each company. We are excited to build the future of property technology together.”

– Tommy Fatjo, President of World Cinema

The two companies share the commitment to delivering customer-centric solutions. The promise of both companies is to deliver every time, with no exceptions. The combination is a catalyst to deliver convergence of in-room entertainment, seamless wireless networking experiences, and transformative connected applications like digital signage, smart building, and common area video intelligence services. By maintaining cost leadership and high levels of customer satisfaction, this partnership can increase financial returns for clients by improving top-line occupancy and RevPAR and increasing income by adding operating efficiencies.

“When I founded Hospitality WiFi in 2001, we had a vision to be the number one choice of hotel owners and brands. I’m so proud Hospitality WiFi is joining World Cinema, a company that is known for its long successful track record of delivering hospitality technology services to some of the largest properties and enterprises in the U.S. I’m looking forward to taking our customers to the next level with the combination of our two companies.”

– Jason Szuch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality WiFi

About World Cinema, Inc.
Founded in 1974, WCI is a privately held company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company serves over 7,000 properties with nearly 900,000 rooms under management.

World Cinema, Inc. (WCI) is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the US Virgin Islands. With a dedication to customer service, WCI is leading the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WCI is a single point of contact for all a property’s technology needs.

For more information, visit www.wcitv.com

About Hospitality WiFi
Hospitality WiFi (HWF) has been providing guest WiFi and other services since 2001. With the goal of offering a better guest experience for hospitality properties, MDUs, restaurants, offices, and other locations on multiple continents, HWF designs, installs, and supports wired and wireless networks, including site surveys, equipment selection and purchase, installation, and ongoing maintenance and management. HWF’s expertise with converged networks enables simplified management and an improved customer experience, with services including:

• HSIA/WiFi Managed Solutions
• 24x7x365 Guest Support
• Voice, Video, and Data Solutions for Communications and Guest Entertainment

For more information, please visit www.hospitalitywifi.com

Transaction Details
This transaction is subject to customary closing requirements. Derick Schaudies led the TI Partners team as exclusive financial advisors to Hospitality WiFi.

Media Contacts:

World Cinema
Ella Steele
Esteele@onewci.com

Hospitality WiFi
Melanie Swiderek
Melanie@hospitalitywifi.com

Research by Parks Associates shows that 43% of U.S. MDU residents use smart home technology in their apartments. However, only 34% of MDU property owners currently offer smart home devices to residents. “Smart” devices can include everything from sensors and IoT to cloud-based services and remote computing and analytics. This increasing demand makes now the best time to invest in smart home technology for MDU communities.

ImpruviX by WCI provides services including remote access control, cloud-connected common area cameras and water and leak sensors. Smart apartments are in high demand, with residents expecting reliable connectivity and property-wide internet. Smart apartments are also valuable for property owners both financially and for convenience-sake. Providing IoT technology in apartments is increasingly necessary to improve resident satisfaction and retention.

Managed Wi-Fi
Apartment complexes can offer property-wide internet access as a value-added service, increasing retention rates and improving the resident experience. Managed Wi-Fi is beneficial for residents and property managers, as outsourced connectivity is a simplified service for both groups. For residents, managed Wi-Fi eases the strain around moving in and out of their dwelling. Residents can move into their space and immediately connect to the internet, avoiding the hassle of negotiating with internet providers.

Furthermore, managed Wi-Fi is an opportunity for an additional stream of revenue for communities. Charging a slightly higher fee for monthly Wi-Fi is commonplace, especially considering the contractual obligations and costs associated. Residents are willing to pay more to avoid the hassle of installing and managing their own internet service. According to the aforementioned report, over a third of residents say they will pay an additional 15% per month for smart amenities. The ImpruviX managed Wi-Fi solution looks at reliability and redundancy, customer support and the simple use of move in, plug in by InstaOn®.

Property-Wide Internet Access
Managed Wi-Fi reaches beyond each individual apartment and encompasses property-wide Wi-Fi services as well. Property-wide internet access is also important for residents, as they are increasingly reliant on constant connectivity. Today’s residents expect to stream content and use the internet seamlessly throughout the property, moving beyond their respective dwellings into community areas like parking garages, laundry rooms and on-site gyms and pools.

In addition to charging for uninterrupted Wi-Fi, apartment managers can advertise property-wide connectivity as an added-value, safety-focused initiative. Connected safety devices include access control and common area cameras, both valuable features for apartment dwellers. Property-wide Wi-Fi, therefore, is an additional safety amenity, setting the property apart from local competition.

Internet-Connected Community Safety
Safety is an important amenity to residents. ImpruviX is the all-inclusive property safety solution, offering both common area cameras and cloud-connected access control. Smart access control systems improve safety throughout a community, providing residents with additional freedom and security through their personal devices.

Residents expect apartment communities to provide safety across the property, but especially within their individual units. Today’s renters expect apartments to come fully equipped with smart sensors to detect carbon dioxide and water leaks. Smart sensors are an essential amenity, as fires and flooding are an extreme financial strain on apartment buildings. Additionally, leak detectors enable properties to locate and repair water leakage issues before they affect the building structure, potentially saving thousands of dollars for future repairs.

Smart Apartment Devices
Smart sensors and leak detectors mitigate insurance concerns as they are preventative security measures. Additionally, apartment communities can save on insurance through clean energy initiatives and energy usage tracking. Smart apartments that are equipped with temperature control and smart lighting can monitor energy usage in real-time, providing insight into how the property is consuming energy.

Likewise, residents are also interested in smart home devices for their money-saving opportunities. A report from the National Multifamily Housing Council showed that residents are most interested in smart home technology that can save them money. This includes solutions like smart thermostats, sensor lighting and digital door locks. Additionally, smart thermostats reduce energy consumption with “eco-friendly” options to control the temperature and improve efficiency while the resident is away. Furthermore, today’s smart thermostats can adapt to a user’s typical schedule through artificial learning, motion detectors, and pattern recognition, creating a seamless experience for residents.

Do You Have the Network to Support These Devices?
Installing smart devices inside apartment buildings is a significant investment, and properties need to ensure they have the right bandwidth and network infrastructure capable of supporting these upgrades. Internal wiring has changed drastically throughout the years and historic or existing properties may have fallen behind on infrastructure updates.

The ImpruviX solution can be installed in a heritage building just as easily as a modern luxury building with minimal structural impact. Our solution accommodates existing hardware like coax cabling, ethernet and copper lines. ImpruviX will evaluate the current infrastructure of a property and determine the best, customized solution with respect to cost and unique needs.

Our solution enables fast, easy, virtually invisible fiber deployment in properties. The ImpruviX low voltage cabling system is cost-effective, and our hardware can convert older CAT cabling and coax solutions into usable and robust IP for Wi-Fi and networking.

ImpruviX by World Cinema is the preferred circuit provider for apartment communities. Complete with SD-WAN functionality, the ImpruviX Connectivity solution reduces wireless redundancy and improves internet speeds through increased bandwidth design. WCI’s managed Wi-Fi solution simplifies and centralizes the property’s internet connectivity, improving convenience for residents and property managers alike.

ImpruviX by World Cinema retrofits custom network cabling to accommodate rental properties in operation today, implementing sustainable, future-proof digital infrastructure. Managed Wi-Fi by ImpruviX is a profitable investment for MDU communities and eases operations for the internal property management team.

Why Now?
Upgraded networks are increasingly important for multifamily communities, as new technologies rely on high-speed, advanced internet connectivity. Today’s residents need upgraded bandwidth to support all their devices, including smart room devices like thermostats and automated light treatments. Internet needs are going to grow as new technologies like the metaverse and augmented reality continue to grow in importance.

Below are the top four benefits owners and property management will gain from selecting ImpruviX by World Cinema as the trusted Managed Wi-Fi provider for their multi-family community.

1. Wi-Fi as a Fee-Based Amenity
Apartment complexes can offer property-wide internet access as a value-added service for residents, increasing retention rates and improving the renter experience. Managed Wi-Fi by ImpruviX is the easy solution for apartment Wi-Fi. Furthermore, residents can immediately connect to the internet when they move in, avoiding complicated procedures like selecting an individual Wi-Fi provider.

Managed Wi-Fi is an additional stream of revenue for apartment complexes. Charging a slightly higher fee for monthly Wi-Fi is commonplace, especially considering the contractual obligations and costs associated with the investment. Managed Wi-Fi is an excellent way for apartment complexes to receive extra funds each month. Residents are willing to pay more to avoid the hassle of installing and managing their own internet service.

2. Improving Resident Retention
ImpruviX by World Cinema brings security and consistency to residents, increasing retention rates and improving the renter experience as a whole. Custom network design by ImpruviX ensures residents are supported with high-speed, secure digital connectivity, including property-wide internet access and Wi-Fi call support. Managed Wi-Fi is an attractive feature for apartment residents as they can rely on property-wide, secure internet access.

Furthermore, resident amenities have expanded beyond the on-site gym and business center, as apartment dwellers are increasingly reliant on constant connectivity with minimal interruption. Today’s residents expect to stream content and use the internet seamlessly throughout the property, moving beyond their respective dwellings. Additionally, apartment complexes can advertise their Wi-Fi services as an added amenity, setting the property apart from local competition.

3. Reliable Connectivity for Staff and Internal Systems
The apartment management team also needs reliable internet connectivity for staff support and internal systems like cloud-based video management systems. In addition to providing Wi-Fi to common areas, property management needs internet access to communicate with residents and prospective tenants alike. Property-wide Wi-Fi is also essential for security cameras and remote video monitoring solutions like ImpruviX common area cameras. Furthermore, providing Wi-Fi benefits not only residents but internal staff as well.

4. IT Support and Easy Operation
Managed Wi-Fi by ImpruviX simplifies the internet experience for property managers and residents alike. Property-wide Wi-Fi simplifies the move-in experience for new residents as they can immediately connect to the internet upon moving in. Additionally, the turnover process is also easier for apartment managers as the ImpruviX team of system engineers and technology architects are there 24/7. World Cinema’s managed Wi-Fi solution is easily upgraded and centrally managed by our team, saving apartment management the hassle and cost of hiring an internal IT team to update the system.

Additionally, the ImpruviX Connectivity platform is flexible and scalable to accommodate the growing needs of each individual end-user. Our design team can utilize and advance existing infrastructures or provide customized, ground-up network designs with advanced technical architecture. We also install proprietary monitoring devices to drive useful analytics like circuit uptimes, latency, and jitter and reduce packet loss. Our remote monitoring system allows us to work proactively, getting ahead of potential issues before they happen.

The World Cinema Customer Promise
We deliver secure, consistent and scalable Wi-Fi throughout each property using modern Wi-Fi technology and leverage partnerships that drive innovation. Different clients have different goals. In delivering exceptional Wi-Fi experiences, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. By remaining neutral and open to many different solutions, we can deliver the best total cost of ownership to meet the specific goals of any property.

Finally, we use a hands-on project management approach for technology implementation to act as a centralized point of contact for all property needs. We offer key support features to our customers, including hassle-free installations, remote network monitoring and 24/7/365 service through our Customer Care Center at our headquarters in Houston, Texas.