NMHC recently led a coalition of real estate trade groups, including NAA, in filing reply comments responding to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed rule that poses concerning questions about how multifamily firms and broadband service providers partner to provide quality broadband to residents. The reply comments respond to information submitted by other parties during the original filing period and are a follow up to the comments filed by the NMHC-led real estate coalition on August 30.
The industry’s reply comments emphasize the success of the current free market approach to deploying broadband, increasing overall connectivity and promoting competition and choice for residents. Residents demand access to high-speed, high-quality broadband service and a choice in providers and apartment firms must provide that level of service to maintain resident satisfaction and retention.
The real estate industry reply comments refute accusations by some broadband providers that apartment firms view broadband service and access as a profit center. Instead, the reality is that there are some broadband providers that are looking to gain access to the high end of the multifamily market without having to work in traditional partnership with property owners to deploy their services. The current model emphasizes the importance of negotiating agreements between property owners and service providers to foster market competition, higher service standards, competitive pricing and superior broadband service for residents.
NMHC and NAA have urged the FCC to reject attempts by broadband providers that are attempting to skirt the current, effective partnership model. Instead, NMHC and NAA support the current regulatory model and assert that the FCC must respect property rights.
NMHC, NAA and IREM led an industry advocacy letter signed by 70 firms representing real estate owners, developers and managers from all segments of the industry expressing support for the comments submitted by NMHC, NAA and other real estate trade groups. Representing more than 2.2 million apartment homes and more than 2,000 commercial properties across the country, the signatories urged the FCC to refrain from any further regulation and interference in broadband deployment, access and provider partnerships employed in the multi-tenant environment. NMHC and NAA thank all the firms that joined this effort by signing on to the letter or filing a declaration with the real estate coalition comments.
NMHC and NAA will continue to make our case against further interference or regulation in the multifamily broadband market. For more information on NMHC and NAA’s work on broadband and connectivity issues, click here.
Staff Resource
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