Broadband Communities

OCT 2015

BROADBAND COMMUNITIES is the leading source of information on digital and broadband technologies for buildings and communities. Our editorial aims to accelerate the deployment of Fiber-To-The-Home and Fiber-To-The-Premises.

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22 | BROADBAND COMMUNITIES | www.broadbandcommunities.com | OCTOBER 2015 MDU TECHNOLOGY Easing Construction Disruption Property owners and managers often fear that FTTH construction will bring howls from inconvenienced residents. However, following best practices can minimize disruption. By Allen Powell / S&N; Communications M ultiple-dwelling-unit (MDU) owners and managers face a dilemma. According to a study by J Turner Research, 64 percent of apartment dwellers say they would move or not renew their leases if they were unhappy with the Internet service in their apartments or condominium complexes. However, these same residents are quick to complain about disruption during the large- scale construction necessary to deliver these technologies. Residents aren't the only ones annoyed. Everyone, from builders and developers to building owners, sufers when dealing with inexperienced service providers that plan poorly. At S&N; Communications, we've learned the value of communication and proactive planning, particularly when construction projects are pending and getting ready to kick of. S&N; has tested some of these practices in MDUs and others only in single-family-home neighborhoods, but we believe they would all be applicable in MDUs. In residential areas, our team goes above and beyond to ensure minimal disruption. People's homes are their sanctuaries, and any disruption, especially from noisy, messy construction work, is not enthusiastically embraced. Whether or not it's fair, MDU building owners and managers typically face the brunt of tenant complaints. However, if owners and managers are willing to get out ahead of the problem and spend time (and maybe a few dollars) communicating with their residents, complaints and ill will are likely to take a dramatic dip. Combine that communication with best practices from an engaged infrastructure construction company, and you've got the recipe for the ultimate resident/construction experience. Here's what everyone involved on a new broadband project can do to ensure minimal disruption. BEST PRACTICES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES Community outreach. Before S&N; begins any project, our crews knock on every door (yes, every door) in our work path and explain the upcoming work to be done. We lay out expected start and completion dates, answer questions and emphasize the benefts of our work – faster connectivity and more bandwidth. If no one is home, our crews leave behind a customer door hanger that contains the scope and location of our work and the cell phone number of our site superintendent. Tis is a relatively simple task in a single- family, detached-home neighborhood. For an Community outreach is the No. 1 best practice for construction companies undertaking infrastructure projects. Knock on every door, or schedule meet and greet time with community groups.

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