Shared Wi-Fi networks are wireless internet connection points provided to the residents in an apartment building. The management sets these up and allow users to connect to the internet all over the building.

With more than 94% of Americans having access to the internet, most people these days can't imagine a life without it. As someone moving to a new place, not having access to the internet can seem like a nightmare, especially for those who rely on it for their bread and butter.

Landlords can address this pain point by providing shared Wi-Fi networks that give users instant internet without having to sign a contract with an internet service provider.

Shared Wi-Fi access can benefit both the landlord and the tenants.

Why Set up a Shared Wi-Fi Network?

There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution for shared Wi-Fi networks. It depends on a lot of factors, like the number of apartments, the size of the building, and bandwidth requirements. If done right, setting up a shared Wi-Fi network has a lot of benefits.

Benefits for Landlords

  • High-speed Wi-Fi in an apartment is a premium amenity that’s desired by a lot of renters. This can boost the rent you get.
  • You’re in charge of setting up the network. Once set up, you don’t have to worry about renters drilling unnecessary holes or damaging walls.
  • As a landlord, you can offer more value to your tenants with shared Wi-Fi, since they can also use smart appliances and IoT devices.
  • Depending on your internet service provider, you can have more flexibility in choosing your plan based on the number of households using the shared Wi-Fi.

Benefits for Tenants

  • You don’t have to worry about finding the best internet plans. Instead, you get access to fast Wi-Fi that’s included with your monthly rent.
  • The landlord will set up and maintain the Wi-Fi network. You also don't have to worry about setting up the internet during your busy move time.
  • Since you’ll have access to fast internet, you will be able to set up all your smart appliances without having to go through a setup process.
  • When your landlord sets up your internet connection for you, you'll still have a choice of going with a higher internet plan or choosing an internet speed that stays within your budget.

As data requirements of users increase, it can become hard to keep up, especially when there are dozens of devices connected to a network.

Things to Consider About Shared Wi-Fi Networks

While a shared Wi-Fi network in an apartment can have a lot of benefits, there are also a few things you need to keep in mind. These include:

  • Dealing with Technical Problems: As a landlord, you already have a lot on your plate, and you might not know how to fix some of the technical problems bound to arise over time. If you own a larger apartment complex, you might need to hire a technician who maintains and troubleshoots the network. This can have a potential impact on the overall cost, and might not be a cost-effective option.
  • Not Everyone Wants Shared Wi-Fi: While a shared Wi-Fi network is a great amenity to offer residents, some tenants might have a higher requirement for an internet connection. These include gamers, remote workers, and big families.
  • Security Concerns: Since shared Wi-Fi networks allow a lot of people to access them, there are more security risks than using a dedicated network. This creates an opportunity for bad actors to try and gain access to the network and the devices on it, potentially making it unsafe for sensitive data like emails, security credentials, and credit card information.

Now that we know that installing shared Wi-Fi in apartments has its pros and cons, there's a huge question we're left with.

Are Shared Wi-Fi Networks in Apartments Worth the Cost?

As a landlord, you’re going to spend a sizeable chunk of money to set up a shared network in your apartment. So, it’s important to know if it’s going to be worth it. Once you check out the plans offered by a lot of ISPs, you’re going to realize that shared Wi-Fi networks can be a lot more affordable than you imagine.

Let’s say you go for a 5 Gig internet plan that costs you $300. If you divide the bandwidth between 50 households, each one would receive around 100 Mbps and only have to pay around $6. Even if the landlord adds maintenance costs, each household will pay around $10, which is still a lot less than what you would pay for an average cable internet connection.

Long story short, shared Wi-Fi networks can be a great add-on to offer and can be very inexpensive if you choose the right ISP.

Best ISPs to Use for Creating Shared Wi-Fi Networks

The ISP you choose to use to create a shared Wi-Fi network depends on a lot of factors like your location, total number of devices, budget, and data requirement.

We suggest getting a fiber internet connection since you'll get the fastest speeds. However, fiber optic availability is expensive and only limited to some areas. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, cable internet can be great, mainly because it’s widely available and inexpensive compared to fiber.

Here are some great internet providers for setting up a shared Wi-Fi network in apartments:

At&TAT&T Fiber Internet 5 GIG Up to 5 AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extenders included at no extra cost1a if needed1b Learn More
WindstreamFiber 2 Gig FREE Whole Home Wi-Fi Setup Learn More
Optimum2 Gig Internet Free Installation w/o Self-Setup Learn More
SpectrumSPECTRUM INTERNET® GIG Spectrum Advanced Wi-Fi included at no extra cost Learn More
XfinityGigabit Extra Unlimited data with Wi-Fi equipment included Learn More
1a. Includes up to 5 AT&T Wi-Fi Extenders at sole discretion of AT&T.
1b. Available with 2Gbps or higher speeds. Ltd. avail./areas.

With so many internet providers out there, it can be confusing to choose a provider that can fulfill the internet needs of dozens of people in an apartment. We generally recommend going for fast fiber internet with no data caps.

If the ISP offers free installation and additional extenders, make sure to avail the offer since you’re likely going to be able to cover a part of your apartment building for a low cost.

Frequently Asked Question

Are There Disadvantages of Shared Wi-Fi in Apartments?

With shared Wi-Fi, there can be a lot of inconsistencies in download and upload speeds, depending on the users on the network. There can also be potential security risks since there are a lot of unknown devices connected to the same Wi-Fi.

Is It Okay to Share Wi-Fi With Neighbors?

Sharing your internet connection is generally not a good idea. Even if you trust your neighbor, unknown devices can spread malware to your devices knowingly or without knowing. The same goes for connecting to your neighbor's Wi-Fi, which is why it's important to adopt safe internet practices when connecting to unknown networks.

Is Shared Wi-Fi Safe for Apartments?

Generally, using shared Wi-Fi for apartments is safe. However, it's important to use a secure Wi-Fi network with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. This makes sure that your network traffic is always encrypted and secure.