HOAs: The Overlooked Frontier in Broadband Expansion

In the rapidly evolving broadband industry, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) often remain an underserved market segment. In a special series on LinkedIn for Broadband Planning, Christian Diener, Multifamily Real Estate Technology Advisor, Sales Strategist, Investor sheds light on this oversight in his article, Are Service Providers missing a HUGE Opportunity with HOA's? emphasizing the unique opportunities HOAs present for broadband service providers.

Understanding the HOA Landscape

HOAs differ significantly from apartments and typically apartments get the majority of focus and funding within the broadband service provider’s Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) department. While apartments often involve transient residents, HOAs consist of long-term homeowners invested in their communities. This distinction necessitates a tailored approach when considering the best way to serve those communities and maintain and grow market share.

The Limitations of Bulk Agreements

Bulk service agreements have been a common strategy for providers targeting HOAs. However, Diener points out in his article that these agreements only cater to about 10–20% of the HOA market. This leaves a substantial portion—80–90%—without a coordinated broadband provider strategy, representing a significant missed opportunity.

Shifting Dynamics and Increased Competition

The post-pandemic era has seen homeowners more willing to switch providers in search of better services and pricing. The emergence of fixed wireless access and new fiber-optic providers has intensified competition, leading to a decline in market shares for traditional providers within HOA communities.

Strategic Engagement with HOA Boards

To effectively tap into the HOA market, service providers should consider forming mutually beneficial marketing agreements and revenue-sharing arrangements with HOA boards. Such partnerships can offer providers preferred access to residents while assisting HOAs in generating additional revenue—a win-win in today's economic climate. The key is having the right representation. For over a decade, Broadband Planning's broadband contract negotiation expertise has secured millions of dollars annually in access fees and revenue shares for a growing number of homeowners associations across America.

Tailored Marketing Approaches

Generic advertising strategies often fall short in resonating with homeowners. Marketing efforts must be specifically tailored, emphasizing reliability, customization, and community-enhancing aspects of services. Understanding the homeowner's perspective is crucial in crafting messages that truly connect.

For a comprehensive exploration of this topic, read Christian Diener's full article on LinkedIn.

Maximize Community Revenue with a Right of Entry Agreement

The costs of maintaining and running community associations continue to rise. But there is a way to help offset those costs without impacting resident services. Compensation from broadband agreements can be a powerful way to generate revenue for your community and keep HOA dues low.

Cable and internet companies need permission to run lines through private property to reach homes in residential neighborhoods. One way they gain this access is through a Right of Entry Agreement, which allows providers to install and maintain broadband infrastructure in communities managed by homeowners associations (HOAs). These agreements can generate compensation from providers, helping to keep dues low and support the overall financial health of your community. Learn how granting access to cable and internet companies can maximize compensation.

What is a Right of Entry Agreement?

Right of Entry Agreements grant broadband providers the right to install or maintain wiring on private property. These agreements:

●       Do not affect residents’ choice of provider

●       Do not prevent future providers from entering the community

●       Often include exclusive marketing rights for a provider

●       Set clear guidelines on provider activity while on your property

Why It Matters for Your Community

Whether you’re a condo, townhome, or single-family home community, having the right broadband agreement in place is essential. Broadband Planning helps associations understand their options and negotiate the best possible terms.

We work solely for associations, not cable companies, and are only paid by the association. Our team informs you of all provider options in your area and works to maximize the compensation owed to your community through broadband negotiations and agreements.

Benefits of a Right of Entry Agreement for Your HOA

●       No impact on resident services: Homeowners maintain full freedom to choose their cable or internet provider

●       Open access for future providers: Agreements do not prevent competitors from entering the community

●       HOA-focused broadband negotiations: Broadband Planning represents only the homeowners association—not the broadband provider

●       Maximized compensation from broadband providers: We work to secure the highest possible access fees and revenue shares for your community

●       No upfront costs for your HOA: Our compensation comes solely from the revenue we help your association earn

Watch the Full Video to Learn More

Want a deeper understanding of how Right of Entry Agreements work and how they can benefit your community? Watch our full video below, where we explain the essentials and explain show how Broadband Planning helps homeowners associations negotiate the best possible terms with broadband providers.

Broadband Planning Makes It Easy

With millions in access fees and revenue shares secured annually, Broadband Planning is helping associations across the U.S. leverage their collective buying power to benefit their communities.

Contact Us to learn more and start maximizing your community’s broadband revenue.

Meet Adam Balkcom - CEO of Broadband Planning

Adam Balkcom, Chief Executive Officer of Broadband Planning shares his career path and how Broadband Planning helps associations harness the collective buying power of communities to maximize compensation.

With expertise in broadband contract negotiations, Broadband Planning has secured millions of dollars annually in access fees and revenue shares for a growing number of homeowners associations across America.

Adam Balkcom is the Chief Executive Officer of Broadband Planning, leading the company with a focus on building strong partnerships between communities and broadband providers. He first became a co-owner of Broadband Planning in 2011 alongside Dick Price and completed the majority ownership purchase in late 2023. With a background in community management dating back to 2009, Adam’s industry experience began when he joined the board for his community in West Midtown Atlanta. Since then, he has taken on various leadership roles in the community management industry, including founding CAM Leadership Institute, a research and consulting firm dedicated to supporting community management company owners. His passion is creating win-win arrangements between communities and broadband providers and continues to shape the future of Broadband Planning and community connectivity.

To learn more about broadband agreements your community should have in place, and read testimonials from our clients click HERE.