2010 Buyers Guide - Broadband Properties

amenities residents expect today and into the future. When
we talk to prospective residents, light bulbs go on when we
mention that we have the Verizon FiOS product.
Onsite Experience/Lessons Learned
What was the biggest challenge?
Glenn Hilley: Managing space allocations within the utility
closets between the power company, cable TV company
and Verizon.
Aside from that, the biggest challenge
was getting fiber down the pole
line to the community. The property
is a little way away from old-town Ellicott
City, and we had to do some
pole replacements and relocations to
get the fiber there. The main feeder
cables were on the other side of town,
so we had to string some pretty
lengthy distribution runs to get fiber
to the property.
What was the biggest success?
Glenn Hilley: Despite the short time
frame we had for getting the job done,
we were able to give the property
owner service when it was needed.
When the first customers moved in,
they were able to get FiOS, which is
always a good thing for us.
What would you say to owners who want
to deploy a similar network? What
issues should they consider before they
get started?
Glenn Hilley: Start partnering with your
chosen service provider as early in
the planning phase as possible. This
allows for the greatest flexibility of
designs and maximizes the number
of available options.
Come to us in the planning
stages before construction starts. We
have a lot more options if we can be
involved when owners are still laying
out their raceways and partitions. In
some cases, we can help with how
they’re going to do their wiring in
the building, and maybe save them a
couple of bucks by making sure we’re
all on the same page. Get the process
going as early as possible.
What is the property manager’s perspective
on this installation? Has it been a
success? What has been the response
from residents?
John Cohan: Installation was completed
prior to lease-up and prior to the
property manager’s arrival on site. Since the opening, almost
all residents have chosen Verizon as their provider,
and we’ve received very positive feedback.
Being able to offer these kinds of technology amenities
is critical. Our resident profile at Oella Mill is a fairly young
demographic that is just going to expect that the right amenities
be there. We really sweated the details to make sure
that we provided all the modern amenities residents would
expect, including the technology amenities. BBP
Think Forward. we do.
www.blondertongue.com
(800) 523-6049 ext. 555
November/December 2009 | www.broadbandproperties.com | BROADBAND PROPERTIES | 31