Peace of Mind for Condo Residents Starts with Fiber-Optics

Residents of condominiums and other multi-dwelling units all want a home that is safe for their family and guests. No one wants to be accosted by an intruder in their elevator or have to worry about the wellbeing of their children playing in the building. Fortunately, technological advancements are rapidly enhancing building security.

Cloud-based technology is all around us. When we drive out of the parking garage of a commercial building, high-definition cameras read our license plates and automatically let us exit. When we go through a TSA line at the airport, facial recognition cameras let us through to board of our flights.

These are examples of sensor technology applications that property managers and resident managers of residential multi-dwelling units are beginning to adopt to improve security and safety for their residents. Property managers and condominium associations can tap into a spectrum of security possibilities beyond door and window sensors and motion detectors.

The underlying infrastructure for these new security enhancements is fiber-optic cables. Many of these security controls depend upon reliable, high-speed internet access to function at an optimal level. This is important since unauthorized access, theft and property damage consistently rank at the top of the security risks that concern property managers.

Managing Security Breaches
Unauthorized entries expose condominium associations, property managers, and their residents to property theft, vandalism, and liability issues. Advanced video security systems are becoming the new standard to monitor a building’s entrances, lobbies, elevators, stairwells, parking garages, recreation rooms, amenity spaces, and common areas that are difficult to assess without physically patrolling the area. These systems are especially valuable to help keep a watchful eye on keiki and pets.

Seamlessly transferring data and pixels at faster speeds with no latency is vitally important for these security systems. With video detection systems that integrate artificial intelligence, property managers can receive alerts about any unusual activity, loitering or vandalism to notify onsite security personnel for faster response times. As technology becomes more sophisticated, fiber-optic cables will become even more critical to building security and future-proof fiber will be able keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies.

Remote Access for Improved Security
For property managers responsible for overseeing multiple buildings, remote monitoring with live feeds or recorded video footage will help to augment existing security staff who may already be responsible for many other duties. Upgrading a building to fiber connectivity must be factored into a building’s maintenance plans, much like plumbing, sprinkler systems, smoke alarms, and other improvements.

As an added benefit, having these surveillance tools in place can help increase a building’s value and appeal to prospective owners and tenants because they provide peace of mind. In addition to continuous, 24/7 monitoring of the building, just knowing that there are surveillance tools in place are preventive measures to keep intruders and vandals at bay.

Empowering Your Residents
In addition to protecting a building from security breaches, fiber-optic cables directly connected to each individual unit within a building takes security to an entirely new level. Cloud-based, keyless entry systems through fobs, smart locks and smartphones restrict access to buildings to authorized residents, enhancing safety and increasing convenience. When integrated with a video intercom system, residents can grant their guests access into the building and to private spaces and amenities without the need for onsite security personnel.

Security in a multi-dwelling unit is everyone’s kuleana, property managers, homeowners' associations, condominium boards of directors, and residents. When everyone agrees investing in security is a priority, it naturally follows that fiber must also be a priority to create a safer haven for residents.

Fiber-optic infrastructure is no longer a luxury. It is an investment in your community’s future. By delivering reliable connectivity, supporting modern resident expectations, and increasing property appeal, fiber helps create a better living experience for everyone. If you are a HOA board member or property manager, contact Hawaiian Telcom today to schedule a complimentary property assessment and learn about available upgrade opportunities.