• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, May 25, 2004

Communication Services Among Apartment Dwellers

Amy Cravens, Senior Analyst, writes about a new report due out shortly on the residential communications service delivery perspective, specifically as seen in the multi-dwelling unit segment (apartment dwellers). She notes that the MDU segment not only accounts for 20 percent of US households, but is unique from single-family residences in many aspects, from property ownership to service delivery, which demands a unique approach.

A recent In-Stat/MDR residential communications survey found that apartment dwellers tended to have a slightly lower usage rate of most communications services (local phone service, long distance, cable TV, satellite TV, wireless phone services, Internet access, and in-home entertainment) compared to the total respondent base. 50 percent of total respondents subscribed to Internet access, while only 38 percent of apartment dwelling respondents were subscribers.

51 percent of Internet using apartment dwellers have dial-up access, but some have high-speed dial-up as well. The use of broadband was higher among apartment dwellers with Internet than among the total respondents. Regardless of possibly lower income, Craven concludes, those that have an interest in Internet access, are willing to pay for a higher level of service. She points out that the MDU resident typically has less disposable income versus the average single-family resident. However, MDU residents also tend to be younger (except in the instance of retirement communities), with a high concentration of college students and young professionals.

You'll be able to access this report here.