RENT Magazine Q4 '22

TOP THINGS MULTIFAMILY OWNERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE FCC’S NEW BROADBAND RULES

The dust may have settled since the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent release of new multifamily broadband rules. Still, questions linger about how these new regulations will impact both property owners and internet service providers (ISPs) alike.

To help navigate the implications, we spoke to Dan O’Connell, Vice President of Mass Markets Sales for Quantum Fiber, a leading provider of internet service for multifamily properties. With his expert take, we’ll decipher the new FCC rules and what they mean for today’s builders and property owners.

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2. Clearly disclose EMAs to residents Under this guideline, ISPs must inform multifamily residents that an EMA is in place and what it means. Disclosures should be in marketing materials or on-premises signage and according to the new FCC rules, should be in “clear, conspicuous, legible, and visible language.”

3. “Sale and leaseback” arrangements for inside wiring This rule is also a simplification of standard agreement terms and essentially clarifies the FCC rules regarding cable inside wiring. So, an ISP doesn’t convey their inside wiring to a multifamily owner and then exclusively lease it back.

1. Exclusive and graduated revenue- sharing agreements

The FCC has now simplified the types of agreements ISPs and property owners can enter. The new multifamily broadband rules allow for more streamlined exclusive marketing agreements that eliminate complex tiered compensation arrangements based on the number of residents who subscribe. We’ll dig deeper below.

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