As high-speed internet connectivity cements itself as a must-have amenity, Minnesota’s existing multifamily properties are confronting a new challenge: how to remain competitive in a market where ultra-fast fiber internet is no longer reserved for new construction. While residents of newly built communities routinely enjoy the advantages of fiber internet, many owners and residents of legacy buildings still find themselves at a disadvantage—hampered by outdated infrastructure and slow speeds.
Leveling the playing field for existing properties
Resident expectations have evolved, and internet service now ranks among the most important features for renters. According to the 2024 National Multifamily Housing Council Renter Preferences Survey Report, 90% of renters place high-speed internet at the top of their list. For multifamily owners and operators, investing in robust, future-ready connectivity is more than a value-add—it’s essential for both resident retention and long-term property value.
Vintage properties, however, need not be left behind. Tara Michlitsch, a sales manager at Quantum Fiber, explains that older buildings can gain a valuable amenity that helps retain the property’s competitive appeal with a fiber internet retrofit or “overbuild.”
The overbuild process: Bringing fiber to the unit
“A fiber overbuild brings high-speed fiber directly to each unit—complete with WiFi equipment in place so residents can access high-speed service as soon as installation is finished,” explains Michlitsch. Careful design and coordination play a pivotal role in minimizing disruption and maintaining the visual appeal of property. The overbuild process may change depending on the internet service provider (ISP), but typically unfolds as follows:
- Network design: The ISP’s engineers identify pathways to bring fiber onto the property, to each building and to all units. Design options may include running fiber underground to locations near buildings, followed by dropping fiber lines through building attics, storage closets, garages or places that can be inconspicuous.
- Exterior work: Bringing fiber to the building may involve trenching, boring, or installing the fiber network while minimizing inconvenience and preserving landscaping and exteriors.
- Interior work: Fiber is routed to each unit with careful attention to concealment and aesthetics. Each residence receives a fiber-ready modem, with every connection thoroughly tested.
- Network activation: Once the new network is live, residents can gain immediate access to ultra-fast broadband, facilitating modern amenities, smart devices, and seamless work-from-home experiences.
Critical considerations for selecting an internet partner
According to Michlitsch, owners and property management firms eyeing a fiber overbuild should carefully assess several key factors when selecting an ISP:
- Cost management: Keeping expenses under control is crucial to maximizing ROI. While labor and material costs can add up quickly, experienced fiber providers can offer accurate budgeting and creative solutions to help make retrofits more affordable than many expect.
- Quality of work: The reliability and satisfaction of residents hinge on the quality of the installation. Subpar design or implementation can lead to persistent internet issues, extra work for building staff, and even damage a community’s reputation.
- Attention to aesthetics: Preserving the building’s appearance is a top priority. Upgrades should involve running cables discreetly, leveraging existing conduits and pathways whenever possible, and concealing new ones behind walls or ceilings to maintain curb appeal and interior aesthetics.
- Project timelines: The timeframe for completing a retrofit can be significant, but efficient project management allows for completion in a timely manner—without cutting corners or unnecessarily disrupting residents.
- Customer service: Post-installation support is vital. The right ISP can demonstrate a commitment to clear communication, responsive troubleshooting, and ongoing resident satisfaction well after the upgrade is complete.
More than an upgrade
“For Minnesota’s multifamily sector, the fiber retrofit is more than a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in community satisfaction, long-term asset value, and future readiness,” says Michlitsch. “Owners and operators who act now will be best positioned to meet resident expectations and realize new revenue opportunities in a rapidly evolving market.”
Learn how Quantum Fiber can tailor connectivity solutions for your multifamily community at Q.com/multifamily-upgrade.
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