Affordable Housing Internet Solutions: A Case Study with Common Wealth Development & SupraNet
Overview
When the Covid pandemic changed the way we worked and gathered, Common Wealth Development upgraded their amenities to keep their residents connected. Now, providing accessible Internet is a standard.
Why SupraNet is the Preferred Provider for Affordable Housing Internet
When Common Wealth began exploring options for their multifamily initiatives, they already knew SupraNet from their longstanding non-profit business relationship. More than 25 years earlier, SupraNet became the ISP for Common Wealth’s business incubator at 931 East Main Street in Madison. SupraNet also provides fiber Internet for their Madison Enterprise Center, an incubator and location of the Common Wealth gallery at 100 S. Baldwin. The long-standing relationship mattered, but so did SupraNet’s local roots.
Madison Enterprise Center, 100 S. Baldwin Street. Photo Courtesy of Common Wealth Development
“We try to buy local as much as we can,” Davidson said. “We know how much of that money stays in the community instead of the profits going to Wall Street.”
As Common Wealth evaluated fiber Internet providers, SupraNet’s commitment to find a creative solution, local presence, community focus, and existing relationships set the company apart.
Creative, Cost-Effective Bulk Internet for Affordable Housing
The Alliance at Meadowood. Photo courtesy of Common Wealth Development
For Common Wealth’s multifamily developments, the opportunity to work with SupraNet began in the Meadowood Neighborhood on the west side of Madison.
The organization finished building The Alliance at Meadowood in 2021. They also own and manage other mid-century-built properties and manage 15 units for The Road Home Dane County in the neighborhood. In total, 50 units needed an Internet connection.
The project required a creative approach since it included a collection of new and older buildings with varying infrastructure that were sprinkled throughout the area.
“It is neat how there is sort of this cascade of connections throughout our properties. It was a great solution for us,” said Davidson
- The new buildings received a fiber Internet connection with a wired connection to each of the units.
- From the new building, the other buildings connect to the internet with a point-to-point wireless connection. Each unit in the older buildings has its own access point and password while the newer buildings’ residents connect through their own routers.
This innovative approach expanded service to additional residents while significantly reducing installation costs.
“It was a super affordable way to reach the other units,” said Davidson.
Delivering Reliable Affordable Housing Internet Across Madison
After residents responded positively to the service, Common Wealth expanded the program to the Yahara River Apartments on Madison’s east side.
The 60-unit property already contained network cabling making it an ideal fit for community-wide Internet service. Today, residents receive Internet access as part of their housing. Residents simply connect their own wireless router and get online.
The arrangement removes a monthly expense, eliminates the hassle of setting up service, and ensures residents have Internet access from the day they move in.
“We charge rent and that’s it. We don’t charge for basic internet access,”” Davidson said.
Why Internet Access is an Essential Utility for Affordable Housing Residents
Residents rely on Internet access to find jobs, complete schoolwork, access healthcare, connect with service providers, and stay in touch with family and friends. Without it, everyday tasks and important social connections become significantly harder.
By including Internet service in its housing developments, Common Wealth removes one more barrier for residents and helps them access the opportunities and services they need.
A Community-Focused Partnership: SupraNet and Affordable Housing
Technology played an important role in these projects, but the partnership succeeded because both organizations shared a commitment to the community.
By working together, Common Wealth Development and SupraNet have helped make Internet access a standard part of affordable housing for more Madison residents.
About Common Wealth Development
Common Wealth Development is a locally based not-for-profit community development organization. For nearly 50 years, Common Wealth Development has worked to strengthen Madison neighborhoods with people-first approach initiatives in affordable housing, economic development, and community programs.
