In flats and apartments, fiber can only be installed if enough residents participate. Sometimes this happens immediately, but often people are unsure or don't see the benefits. Yet fiber offers advantages for everyone in the building: faster internet, greater stability, and future-proofing. We asked Teresa Moriana, Team Lead Relationship Management at Open Dutch Fiber, what you can do if you want to convince your neighbors to sign up.
Why multiple residents must participate
In an apartment building, the fiber cable does not only run to your home, but throughout the entire building. The cable passes through common areas and sometimes even through the homes of neighbors above or below to reach all floors. That is why ODF can only start once at least 60 percent of residents have given their consent. Without access to multiple homes, the route cannot be completed and the network cannot be technically installed. The more neighbors who give their consent, the sooner installation can begin.
Teresa sees that this is often an eye-opener: “Many residents think that the connection only concerns their own home. But in an apartment building, we build one network for the entire building. We need multiple homes to complete the route.” Once neighbors understand this, they usually see more quickly why their consent is needed and how participating helps the entire building.
Also read the article: Free fiber connection in an apartment building: when is installation free of charge?
What works best to convince neighbors?
Residents often listen to each other more readily than to a letter or brochure. A conversation in the stairwell or in the app group is sometimes enough to persuade someone. According to Teresa, it works best when you keep it simple: “When someone from the building calmly explains how it works, you see that the threshold immediately becomes lower. People trust each other.”
This often helps in conversations:
● Explain that the connection in the home is free if ODF connects the building.
● Tell them that fiber provide faster and more stable internet, even with many devices.
● Make it clear that the connection is without obligation: you don't have to take out a new subscription right away.
● Mention that it is important that as many neighbors as possible participate. The larger the group, the greater the chance that the building will actually be connected.
This way, you focus on the benefits without it feeling like you are “selling” something.
Remove doubts with clear information
Many neighbors are not hesitant because they are opposed to fiber, but because they do not know exactly what will happen. They are concerned about mess, work in their homes, or complications with subscriptions. Teresa recognizes this from her conversations: “People are often relieved when they hear that the technician works neatly, the connection is free of charge, and they can choose when to start using fiber.”
What you can explain:
● The cable runs through the common areas to the homes.
● The technician works neatly and leaves the home tidy.
● The connection is free if ODF includes the building in its planning.
● You choose whether and when you switch to fiber internet. So you are not committed to anything.
Also read the article: Fiber repair: when does your provider help and when does Open Dutch Fiber help?
Check whether your building is already in the planning
Would you like to know whether your apartment building is already in the planning for fiber internet from Open Dutch Fiber? You can find out in a few seconds with the zip code check. You will immediately see whether fiber internet is already available, whether installation is underway in your neighborhood, and when you can expect a connection. This way, you know where you stand and can better inform your neighbors.
About Teresa Moriana
Teamlead Relationship Management
This article was written in collaboration with Teresa Moriana. Teresa Moriana is Team Lead Relationship Management at Open Dutch Fiber. She guides property owners, managers, and residents throughout the entire fiber process. From initial approval to connection in the homes, Teresa ensures that everyone knows exactly what is happening.
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