While speed and reliability are two crucial features that residents look for in an Internet service, security is equally important and frequently asked about, especially by residents living in build-to-rent accommodation.
Residents choose to live in BTR accommodation for a variety of reasons, with excellent services, convenience and the community attached to the building being key factors. The significance of secure Internet networks cannot be understated when catering for BTR residents, especially when you take into account their unique needs.
Privacy and security when using the Internet is increasingly relevant to residents, as home working and integrated smart entertainment systems become more prevalent. A fast and reliable network is now the bare minimum residents expect – now, they need peace of mind that they can engage in the online activities they need to without worrying about security or privacy issues.
Enabling communities
According to a recent Knight Frank and Moda report, 70% of BTR residents said that it was “really important” for them to feel like they lived in a community, with a further 20% saying it was “somewhat important”. We have touched on some of the ways that a managed Internet service can help to foster this sense of community in BTR in an earlier blog post, with secure, private networks at the centre of extended WiFi capabilities.
Let’s take a look at how ASK4’s secure networks not only help BTR residents feel more connected to the communities within their BTR developments, but also enhance their overall living experience....
Seamless living and working
Speed and reliability is the bare minimum that residents expect when it comes to their Internet connection with BTR residents relying on the Internet for a wide range of activities every single day. This includes remote work, online education, entertainment streaming, and even healthcare consultations. A secure Internet connection ensures that these activities can take place seamlessly without disruptions or privacy concerns.
Privacy in public
Residents have access to their own private network, just as they would in a traditional home setting, however ASK4’s 4Network solution extends this site-wide, beyond the walls of their apartment and into the wider building community. This allows residents to access their own home network whether they’re relaxing in their living room, or working from an on-site café or workspace, giving them the confidence they need to access the Internet from anywhere across the development, no matter the task. This is particularly relevant for professionals working in sectors such as medical, legal or financial, where sensitive data is being transferred regularly.
Read more about 4Network below.
Reliable and flexible work-from-home capabilities
The shift towards remote and home working has accelerated over the past few years, and for many professionals living in BTR, a high-quality Internet service is crucial for their professional lives. Managed Internet services guarantee high-speed, stable connections, enabling residents to work from home efficiently, and a secure network gives the flexibility for residents to take their work devices to on-site communal spaces to work on their own private network.
Support for smart homes
Smart home technologies are becoming increasingly popular in BTR properties. These technologies, which include smart thermostats, security systems, and virtual assistants, rely on a secure and stable Internet connection, and one that is secruely self-contained. ASK4’s managed Internet service ensures that residents' smart home devices function seamlessly and securely.
Resident satisfaction and retention
In the competitive BTR market, resident satisfaction is paramount. A robust and secure Internet network is a key factor in determining resident satisfaction and retention rates. When residents experience reliable connectivity and security, as well as the enhanced living experience that comes with a managed Internet service, the likelihood of renewal rates and recommendations naturally increases.
4Network
4Network is ASK4’s award winning connectivity solution which allows seamless communication between a resident’s devices, privately, securely, and building wide. This means that a resident can be working out in an on-site gym while connecting to their home network, for example, to do things like remotely turn on or off devices, or turn on the heating for when they return. All this takes place over a secure network, with residents not having to worry about joining public networks or remembering passwords.
Watch the video below to learn more about 4Network.
The Internet is no longer just a convenience; it's a lifeline that connects us to work, education, entertainment, and more. For residents of build-to-rent accommodation, secure Internet networks are not just an amenity but a vital service that enables living and working experiences that allow them to thrive, and truly connect with their environment, and they need to be given the confidence that this service is both secure and private.
If you'd like to know more about how ASK4's managed Internet solution delivers secure and private networks for build-to-rent developments, or if you’d like chat to us about your upcoming or existing projects, you can book a meeting with Micha Fell or Toni Waites to schedule an appointment.
