Building: Business and Apartment Management (June 2004):

""Wi-Fi For Apartments and Condos: What is it and How Does it Work?"" -

Wi-Fi is short for wireless fidelity. It is a wireless technology that allows users to connect to the Internet over radio waves at ultra high speeds. Wi-Fi technologies can connect users inside buildings to the Internet and, in larger complexes, can even be used to share Internet access between building, all without the use and expense of wiring.

According to Matthew Morin of Macro Connect in Bloomfield Hills, while this technology has obvious commercial applications (hotels, coffee shops, airports, etc.), it is also well suited to apartment and condominium complexes. It allows owners, managers, and builders to provide an added amenity and differentiate their properties from others that do not offer wi-fi service.

It allows residents and condo owners to connect to the Internet for work or leisure from anywhere in their home. AAM member Ken Koss of Ark Realty/Koss Home Builder recently worked with Macro Connect to implement an all-wireless network that provides Internet access to every unit in each of the 18 buildings in the Boulevard apartments in Auburn Hills. The Boulevard provides Internet access to tenants of their furnished apartments free of charge (after an initial se-up fee of between $25 and $50) and charges a monthly fee of $24.95 to tenants in unfurnished apartments.

According to Koss, "It is one of those things that is an important commodity to offer. If you can’t do it and do it at a reasonable rate, your’re are not being competitive."

His decision to provide this amenity was made during the time when the executive short term (2-3 month) leasing market was becoming more competitive. He could see that the hotel properties along the freeways were adding high speed internet connection (sometimes wireless) and integrating it into their daily rates.

"We've had nothing but positive reaction to this service. People love it," said Koss. While it is essential for the business, short term renters, the longer term tenants have responded positively as well. "I can count at least three conventional leases that would not have come in without this feature in an unfurnished apartment.