Why Big Internet Providers Don’t Care About Digital Equity — and Why That’s an Opportunity
When it comes to internet access, not all communities are treated equally. While large internet service providers (ISPs) advertise nationwide coverage and cutting-edge speeds, the reality is that millions of Americans remain underserved. Manufactured housing communities, rural towns, and lower-income neighborhoods often find themselves at the bottom of the priority list.
The reason? Big ISPs are not in the business of digital equity.
Profit Over People
For large providers, the business model is simple:
Focus on high-density urban areas where infrastructure investments pay off quickly.
Prioritize wealthier communities that can afford bundled TV, phone, and high-speed internet packages.
Invest in upgrades where shareholder returns are highest, not where the digital divide is widest.
That leaves underserved communities — the very places that need affordable, reliable internet the most — on the outside looking in. For a Fortune 500 ISP, building fiber to a mobile home park or a small rural town is often written off as unprofitable.
The Cost of Inequity
Lack of access isn’t just an inconvenience. It limits:
Education: Students without broadband can’t keep up with online assignments.
Healthcare: Telehealth is out of reach for many seniors and low-income families.
Work: Remote job opportunities bypass communities without reliable connections.
Digital equity isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation for participating in the modern economy.
The Opportunity for Smaller Providers
Here’s where smaller ISPs, local co-ops, and forward-thinking operators have an opening. By focusing on communities ignored by the big players, these providers can:
Build loyal customer bases that value reliability and fair pricing.
Partner with property owners and municipalities to create scalable, sustainable broadband solutions.
Access government funding programs designed to support digital inclusion initiatives.
In fact, digital equity can be a smart business strategy. Communities that finally get access to high-quality internet don’t just sign up — they stay. They recommend the service. They see the provider as part of the neighborhood, not just a logo on a bill.
A Different Kind of Internet Future
The digital divide won’t close itself. Large providers have shown that they will continue to follow the money, not the mission. That leaves the door wide open for smaller, more agile ISPs to step in and make digital equity both a priority and a profitable opportunity.
In other words: what the giants see as “too small to bother with” could be the most valuable growth market of all.
Why Manufactured Housing Communities Deserve Better Internet
It all begins with an idea.
Why the Gap Exists
Outdated Infrastructure
Many communities were built long before internet access was a necessity. As a result, they often rely on outdated copper phone lines or coaxial systems that were never designed to handle today’s digital demands.
Low Priority from Major ISPs
Large internet providers tend to focus their resources on dense urban neighborhoods or newly built subdivisions. Even though manufactured housing communities can house hundreds of residents, they’re often overlooked because providers assume residents will “make do” with slower options.
Why It Matters
Poor internet access isn’t just an inconvenience. It can limit residents’ ability to work remotely, attend online classes, use telehealth services, or even enjoy simple entertainment like streaming. In today’s world, broadband is just as essential as any other utility.
The Opportunity
For MHC Onwers, this challenge is also a chance to add real value. By partnering with specialized ISPs or investing in bulk internet service, manufactured housing communities can:
Increase property value and resident satisfaction
Offer competitive amenities that rival traditional neighborhoods
Create new revenue opportunities through bulk service models
Help close the digital divide for families who need affordable, reliable access
Final Thought
High-speed internet is no longer optional—it’s a must-have. MHCs that recognize this and take proactive steps will set themselves apart, attract new residents, and build long-term loyalty.
Why Providing Bulk Internet Service is Smart Business for Park Owners
It all begins with an idea.
When operating a manufactured community, profitability comes down to two key drivers: resident retention and property value growth. While amenities like pools or playgrounds can help, today’s most in-demand utility is high-speed internet. For park owners, offering bulk internet service isn’t just an amenity—it’s a business strategy with measurable returns.
1. Increase Property Value and Market Competitiveness
Parks with built-in, reliable broadband command higher rents and greater market appeal. Prospective residents increasingly ask about internet quality before they ask about floorplans. Communities that can advertise “broadband internet included” gain a competitive edge against nearby parks that leave residents to negotiate with big-box carriers.
Think of it this way: bulk internet is the 21st-century equivalent of offering central air—it shifts your property from “basic” to “premium.”
2. Generate a Steady Revenue Stream
With bulk service, park owners negotiate wholesale rates directly with an internet provider. By bundling internet into lot rent or community fees, owners can mark up modestly while still providing residents better pricing than they’d get on their own.
For example, if you purchase service at $25 per door and charge $40, across 200 lots you’ve just created an additional $3,000 in predictable monthly revenue—without adding a single unit.
Sample ROI Breakdown (200-Space Community)
Wholesale rate (ISP contract): $25 per unit/month
Resident charge (bundled into rent): $40 per unit/month
Gross margin per unit: $15/month
Monthly Net Revenue:
200 units × $15 = $3,000
Annual Net Revenue:
$3,000 × 12 = $36,000
3. Reduce Resident Turnover
Turnover is expensive. Every vacant lot means lost lot fees. Residents who enjoy fast, hassle-free internet are less likely to leave. When internet is embedded into the value of living in your park, it becomes a “sticky” amenity—something that keeps residents rooted long-term.
4. Control Quality and Service Delivery
National carriers often overlook or underserve MHCs. By structuring a bulk agreement, park owners gain leverage: you decide the service levels, negotiate upgrades, and ensure residents aren’t left with poor coverage. This level of control translates into fewer complaints and stronger community satisfaction.
5. Streamline Operations
Instead of residents setting up dozens of individual accounts, bulk service means one contract, one bill, one relationship. Residents appreciate the simplicity of “move in and log on,” while owners reduce administrative headaches.
6. Position for Long-Term Growth
Broadband isn’t just about entertainment. Remote work, online education, streaming, and telehealth are becoming everyday necessities. Communities without reliable internet will fall behind, while those with bulk service will attract a broader resident base and future-proof their investment.
7. This model works for resident owned communities as well
ROCs can leverage their collective buying power to negotiate park wide service that is considerably less on a member by member basis. Each member saves a great deal on retail rates for internet service by using the parkwide bulk service instead of buying alone.
Final Thought
Bulk internet is not an expense—it’s an asset. It strengthens revenue, reduces vacancy costs, enhances property value, and differentiates your park in a competitive market. For forward-looking park owners, bulk internet service is one of the smartest infrastructure decisions you can make today..