Bulk internet programs have long been a game-changer for multifamily operators, offering reliable, high-speed internet as an in-demand amenity to residents while boosting property success. But implementing a bulk internet program in a single family rental (SFR) environment presents unique challenges that, up until now, had never been tackled at scale. An innovative solution is emerging that makes bulk internet deployment in SFRs both attainable and efficient.
The Challenges of Bulk Internet in A Scattered-Site Portfolio
Unlike multifamily buildings, where all units share infrastructure, single family rental portfolios face distinct challenges when considering a centralized bulk model:
- Scattered-Site Complexity – SFR portfolios are spread across multiple markets and ISP footprints, requiring a customized, decentralized approach.
- ISP Variability – Homes fall under different service providers across different markets, requiring integrations across multiple ISPs.
- Ongoing Property Changes – Single family rental portfolios frequently change due to acquisitions and sales, meaning homes must be added or removed from the program seamlessly without disrupting operations.
- Resident Experience – With residents moving in and out constantly, ensuring consistent connectivity, managing owner-responsible equipment, and handling resident onboarding required a new, scalable solution.
Introducing The Industry’s First Scattered-Site Bulk Internet Program
Onboard, Conservice’s bulk internet management provider, partnered with the nation’s top SFR owners and operators to pioneer an innovative solution that delivers fully managed bulk internet programs tailored to the industry. By bridging the gap between internet service providers and SFR owners and operators, Onboard has transformed a previously overwhelming challenge into a seamless, streamlined solution that delivers a seamless, standardized experience to residents across an owner’s portfolio:
- Automated Serviceability & Enrollment – Onboard’s system automatically determines which properties are eligible for bulk service as portfolios shift, ensuring homes are seamlessly added or removed without disruption.
- Market Research – Onboard’s team of telecom experts conducts thorough research to identify the best market rates for bulk internet programs.
- Seamless ISP Coordination – Onboard’s industry-first platform serves as a single point of integration, standardizing agreements and service expectations across providers.
- Optimized Resident Experience – Residents move into homes with move-in-ready internet service, eliminating setup delays and confusion.
- Scalable Equipment Management – By working with their ISP partners to develop a custom equipment shipping and tracking process, Onboard ensures fast replacements and zero service gaps.
The Results: A Scalable Bulk Internet Model for SFR
By leveraging Onboard’s expertise, single family rental operators can now unlock the full benefits of bulk internet, without the added operational complexities.
- Standardized Connectivity Experience – Internet is now a scalable, portfolio-wide resident offering that is standardized across your portfolio.
- Enhanced Resident Satisfaction – Residents enjoy a frictionless move-in experience, delivering a competitive edge to your communities while driving retention.
- Property Value Add – Owners generate additional property value while offering an in-demand amenity.
- Reduced Operational Burden – Onboard serves as your one-stop tech partner so your team can focus on the core business of leasing and managing homes.
Onboard has simplified the bulk internet model for single family rentals, turning a complex challenge into a seamless, scalable solution. This bulk model is now emerging as an industry standard, offering a seamless solution that benefits both owners and residents.
Learn more at letsonboard.com/conservice.
Subscribe To Our Blog Newsletter
Keep yourself ahead of the curve with the latest utility news, trends, & resources.
Editor's Picks
Conflict in Iran Affects Utility Costs
The situation in Iran is already having measurable economic effects. While much of the attention has focused on geopolitical implications, the financial impact on consumers is becoming increasingly clear. At the time of this publication, U.S. consumers have absorbed an…
A Practical Way to Prioritize Climate Risk Across Your Portfolio [Rent at Risk: Part 3]
Climate risk analysis produces a long list of exposures across assets and markets, but it does not always produce a clear path forward. How should you leverage and prioritize available data?
Utility University: March 2026
Utility costs are rising but this isn’t just another temporary spike. From increasing energy demand to the growing role of internet as essential infrastructure, the utility landscape is evolving fast. Here’s what property teams need to know to stay ahead.
The ROAD to Housing Act: What It Means for Supply, Renters, and Operators
The Senate passed the ROAD to Housing Act on March 12 with an 89-10 vote. That kind of margin is rare, especially for something as complex as housing policy. On paper, that kind of support should signal momentum. In reality, it highlights something more interesting.
What 650 Property Audits Revealed About Utility Rate Misalignment
Most utility bills are treated as a given. They arrive, they’re processed, and they’re paid. In some cases, they’re allocated or passed through to residents, but structurally, they are rarely questioned. Utilities tend to sit in the category of “fixed”…
The 8 Climate Hazards Multifamily Investors Should Be Screening For [Rent at Risk: Part 2]
Some hazards create gradual operational pressure. Others introduce the potential for sudden, high-impact loss events. Some are widespread across nearly every region. Others are highly concentrated geographically but carry larger financial consequences when they occur. Understanding those differences is critical when screening portfolios. Because not all climate hazards carry the same implications for multifamily performance.
Vacant Cost Recovery (VCR): The Complete 2026 Guide
Utility billing doesn’t always line up cleanly with move-ins and move-outs. When it doesn’t, properties often end up covering costs that belong to residents. This article walks through how Vacant Cost Recovery helps catch those gaps and recover what would otherwise be lost.
New Rules. Same Old Trash. Ask an Expert with Tedd Schonsheck
Meet Tedd Schonsheck: Waste strategist. Former Army officer. Recovering retail executive. Now, he’s one of the people dedicated to making sure trash actually works for property owners and managers.
Climate Risk Is Now a Portfolio Allocation Question, Not a Reporting Exercise [Rent at Risk: Part 1]
A practical framework for screening climate risk in multifamily portfolios and identifying market and asset hotspots.
Keep the Heat On: Utility Assistance Resources for Property Teams This Winter
Record-breaking cold across the East is driving heating costs higher and putting pressure on residents and property teams alike.. Meanwhile, in our headquarters in Utah, we’re still scanning the mountains for snow (we’re not bitter). But across the country, winter…
Experience Effortless Utility Management and Cost Savings
Connect with us today to discover how our solutions can ease tenant billback, streamline utility management, and reduce your costs and energy usage. Make your utility management smarter and more efficient with Conservice!
