Cedar Grove, a 248-unit garden-style apartment community in North Charleston, SC, recently underwent a full-scale renovation—not just in finishes, but in infrastructure. While new cabinetry, appliances, and interiors modernized the resident experience, one critical issue remained: outdated coaxial cable internet that couldn’t keep up with today’s digital demands.

Challenge: Legacy Internet Infrastructure and Delayed Move-In Connectivity
Built in 2002, Cedar Grove originally relied on coaxial cable and modem-based services. The result was unreliable connectivity, frequent service complaints, and a frustrating move-in experience where residents had to wait days—or longer—for their internet service to be installed and activated.

In a competitive rental market, this connectivity gap was becoming a leasing liability.

Solution: A New Fiber Network + Streamlined Move-In Experience
Cedar Grove partnered with Internet Subway to deliver a next-generation connectivity solution. The transformation included:

• A brand new underground fiber network, built from scratch across the property
• Fiber-to-the-building and fiber-to-the-unit (FTTU) connectivity in every apartment
• PMS integration that enables automatic resident onboarding and pre-move-in internet activation
• Internet Subway’s resident portal, which allows residents to personalize and upgrade their service immediately

Now, when residents shows up on move-in day to Cedar Grove, their internet is already on—and ready for work, streaming, gaming, or smart home usage from day one.

Operational Win: Always-On Internet at Move-In

Through Internet Subway’s integration with the RealPage property management system, the activation process is fully automated:

• Residents receive an internet invitation coordinated with their lease
• No technician visits or waiting periods—service is active on Day 1
• Residents can manage and upgrade their service through a personalized portal

This eliminates service delays and creates a frictionless move-in experience that supports positive online reviews and increased lease satisfaction.

Financial Win: Over $2.6M in Added Asset Value

The improved connectivity didn’t just benefit residents—it delivered a substantial return for ownership.

• Bulk internet cost: $30/unit/month (Internet Subway charges the property)
• Service fee added to rent: $85/unit/month (Property charges residents)
• Net NOI per unit: $55/month = $660/year
• Cap rate impact (5.5%): $660 / 0.055 = $12,000 in asset value per unit
• Subtract CapEx for Deployment: -$1500/unit
• Total property impact: 248 units × $10,500 = $2.6 million in added value

Cedar Grove’s investment in future-proof internet infrastructure is now directly increasing its asset valuation and monthly cash flow.

Resident Win: Premium Internet, Personalization, and Performance

Residents at Cedar Grove now enjoy:

• Instant, reliable service from move-in day
• Consistent high-speed fiber performance, even during peak hours
• The ability to customize and upgrade service to match lifestyle needs
• Peace of mind from a professionally supported network

This modern internet experience aligns with the property’s renovated interiors and attracts residents who expect connectivity as a core amenity.

Conclusion: Technology That Pays Off—for Everyone

Cedar Grove’s partnership with Internet Subway has delivered a win-win-win outcome:

• Frictionless resident move-ins
• Reliable fiber infrastructure that supports connected living
• Over $2.9 million in new property value through bulk internet economics

Want to explore how Internet Subway can unlock NOI and resident satisfaction at your property?
Schedule a consultation with one of our multifamily specialists today.