Summit ’26
Despite a nationwide housing crisis, Duncan Cannon says efforts to deliver broadband to multifamily communities are challenged by regulation.
By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Duncan Cannon, the senior director of building technology for multifamily real estate investment firm Cortland, spoke frankly Wednesday about the challenges facing the multifamily industry as Broadband Communities Summit kicked off in Houston.
Cannon said in multiple states — like California, Colorado, and Washington, along with an ever-growing number of local jurisdictions — opt out requirements and fee restrictions can challenge the business cases for property-wide service.
Duncan Cannon gives a keynote address at Broadband Communities Summit 2026.
“A tech-forward building depends on property-wide reliable broadband,” he said during the Multifamily State of the Industry keynote on August 26. “Telehealth, remote learning, and digital inclusion all depend on internet access that reaches beyond the curb, into every unit.”
Without viable business models, Cannon said infrastructure upgrades or deployments may not happen. Or, worse, the costs of such upgrades may be folded into increased rents, further exacerbating the housing crisis, he added.
“So, as we think about closing the digital divide, we must ensure that renters aren’t left behind,” he said.
With a call to action at the end of his address, Cannon said multifamily properties should be prioritized in broadband funding pools. He also said all types of communities should be included in the connectivity discussion. Affordable and subsidized housing deserves the same access as everyone else, he said.
“That means smart subsidy design, community engagement, and pricing models that meet people where they are,” he said.
