Viewpoints

I live in a swing state, and for months, everywhere we go, the “election is the primary topic of discussion.”

By: Bryan J. Rader, President of MDU, Pavlov Media

We’ve been hearing about the problems and issues on both sides – our security, the economy and infrastructure, just to name a few. There are billboards all over town, and social media ads touting one position or another on these issues, sometimes bundling items together and simply confusing the common voter.

But really, as this election cycle begins to wind down (or heat up depending on where you live), I don’t think there’s any question about how we should vote. And I’ve told just about everyone what my feelings are on this race. I’m so proud of my selection that I am about to drop multiple yard signs out front for all to see!

And how did I vote?

Quite clearly, I voted for “bulk managed Wi-Fi,” the only true candidate with a winning platform.

Look, I considered other candidates too, such as “cable modem bulk,” or “instant-on internet.” And even “retail fiber overbuilds with Wi-Fi included”. But quite frankly, none of them addressed our core problems – our economy, our infrastructure, or voter support.

They all appear to be politically motivated, partial solutions still selling old, recycled messages from years gone by.

“Bulk managed Wi-Fi” is the clear winner this election season. It has the right political platform with equal access for everyone, a future-oriented network design, and compatibility with other proptech applications.

Their plan is exactly what we need – fiber-based, dedicated runs to every unit, wireless, and wired port access. And it is symmetrical, with gigabit or higher speeds, creating a greater user experience for every voter.

Plus, this platform is key for all stakeholders within the community – the leasing office, fitness center, common areas, pet walking parks. It brings all of us together, rather than dividing like other candidates.

Bulk managed Wi-Fi has really gained momentum this election season too. It’s not just winning with one voter type. It is cutting across party lines, with young and older electorates. “Bulk managed Wi-Fi” has strong pockets of support – with gamers, streamers, work-from-homes and even students. Definitely a solid coalition.

You have to love “bulk managed Wi-Fi”’s running mate too. It chose “smart home” which has many great ideas for current and future residents, including digital door locks, cameras, thermostat control, moisture detection and more. What a solid ticket!

The other candidates talk a big game but continue to miss the point. Their speeds are unreliable and they often have missing equipment in the apartment. Plus, upload speeds are slow and their devices don’t connect to one another. It’s clear that the cable modem candidate is simply out of touch with today’s voters.

I’ve been on the campaign trail a lot this fall. I’ve spoken with dozens of clients, property owners, and consultants. They are all saying the same thing. “We need a candidate who can fix our networks, who has a strong economic model that creates real value”. They want the future, not the past.

I know it might be a close election, as some candidates have a lot more money to spend than others. But I don’t think it should only be about spending. The race should come down to kitchen table topics – what is better for my family, my neighbors, my community?

We all know we have real problems (just look at national customer satisfaction scores among incumbent providers). We need real solutions, not marketing campaigns or gift cards. We need a platform that we can believe in.

For me, that candidate is “bulk managed Wi-Fi”. And that is my vote for the most important election of our lifetime.

What about yours?

Bryan J. Rader is the president of MDU for Pavlov Media.

To get content like this delivered to your inbox, subscribe to the Broadband Communities newsletter.

Share