If broadband planning isn’t already a key part of your multi-dwelling-unit (MDU) building design and investment planning, Seattle’s Office of Cable Communications says it’s a good time to make it a top priority. Your MDU broadband infrastructure decisions impact the fastest growing segment of residents. In Seattle, the number of residents living in MDUs now exceeds those living in single-family homes. And permitting records show nearly 81 percent of Seattle’s new housing builds are MDUs. MDU residents want access to abundant, high-speed internet and they rate it as the top amenity when considering a place to live – outranking an in-unit washer and dryer. But planning for broadband to MDU environments can be challenging; no two MDUs are the same, there are many possible solutions, there are network needs for your residents and for your building operations, and it’s difficult to design for something that’s hard to predict.
To help builders meet the challenges, Seattle has started a B4B-Build for Broadband initiative. It’s an awareness and education effort, targeted to ensure all owners and builders understand the importance of early broadband planning – and have access to resources to help their planning. Check out the Building for Broadband website for more information, including Tip-6000, Ensuring Broadband Service Access for MDU Development Projects, upcoming free summer webinars, internet service provider contacts specifically for MDUs, and links to other MDU broadband-related resources.
If you have questions or ideas for helpful B4B resource additions, contact:
Alice Lawson
Broadband and Cable program Manager
alice.lawson@seattle.gov