What does internet ready mean apartment
Switching or when first moving into an apartment is exciting. However, you’ve got to make sure that it has all the amenities that you need including internet access.
The internet has become an essential service in our lives and everyone not only appreciates high-speed internet access but also a faster installation process. When searching for an apartment, you may have come across the term ‘internet ready’ or ‘Wi-Fi ready’ and it got you asking yourself what that means.
An internet-ready apartment means that the apartment has pre-installed and ready-to-use internet access equipment that can be immediately activated without waiting for a tech visit. All you need to do is to sign up for an internet service immediately and start enjoying internet access.
Moving into a new apartment is a lot of work. You’ve got to sign a lease, move in your belongings, and figure out utilities such as electricity, gas, and internet access. Some apartments especially newer ones save you this hassle by including internet service in your rent. The homeowner associations usually get into a pre-arranged partnership with an internet provider and cable company to provide internet and cable TV to its tenants.
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How to tell if an apartment is internet ready
When searching for an apartment, the best way to find out if its internet ready or not is by asking the broker or landlord. If the answer is yes, find out who the internet provider is and if the internet service cost is inclusive in the monthly rent or it incurs an extra cost. If it incurs a separate cost, then find out how much it costs. Also, find out if the apartment community has a restriction of internet providers or if there’s a list of internet providers that they can suggest. It’s also likely that the apartment had a previous tenant who was connected to the internet and it won’t be much of a hassle for you to set up yours as you won’t have to get a technician to set up anything.
With this information, you can also do your own little research like checking if the purported internet provider operates in that area and how much are the plans. One of the best and easiest ways to find out is by searching online using the area’s zip code. Go to internetprovidersbyzip.com and key in the area’s zip code and you should be able to see not only a list of internet service providers in the area but also their contact information, data plans, and speeds.
Another way is by simply talking to your potential neighbors and finding out if the apartments are internet ready, which internet provider(s) is available, and how their services are.
Is the apartment worth it?
If the apartment is internet ready, the most convenient thing to do is to stick with the provided internet provider. This saves you the hassle and cost of having to shop for your own provider and even paying for a monthly plan if it’s already included in your monthly rent.
However, if after your research you conclude that the provided ISP isn’t the most ideal, you can get your own internet provider. Before doing so, check with your landlord/landlady first to confirm if your lease requires you to stick with the apartment’s internet provider.
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How to find out if an apartment is internet ready |
Ask your broker or landlord/landlady or walk into the apartment building and talk to the neighbors. If the apartment is internet ready, find out if the internet service cost is included in the monthly rent or it incurs a separate cost, and who the provider is. If it’s inclusive, check the internet provider’s speeds and plans. If you’re unsatisfied with the internet provider, then find out the apartment building restrictions, does the lease limit you to the apartment building’s internet provider or not. If the lease allows you to get a separate ISP, then shop for one and install your own internet service. |
FAQs
In an internet-ready apartment, who owns the modem and router?
The modem and router in an internet-ready apartment are owned by the internet provider and are meant to be passed on to the next tenant when one vacates the apartment. One can however purchase their own compatible equipment and move out with it. However, this equipment should be installed in a separate cable outlet and the pre-existing one shouldn’t be interfered with.
Who pays for the equipment?
In an internet-ready apartment, if a tenant uses the pre-installed equipment, then it may attract a monthly rental fee. However, if you purchase and use your own equipment, then you won’t pay for it.
