Internet As a Fourth Utility

We are moving to a world where wireless infrastructure will act just like electric and plumbing. Call it a fourth utility, or at least that is what Strategic Venue Partners is calling it. The firm, which recently named Justin Marron as its CEO, is supplying wireless infrastructure in high-end residential and commercial properties along with the service. The infrastructure will belong to the building, and the owner will pay a monthly fee for the service. If and when the building trades hands, the new owner will simply take over, just like any other utility.

We are locking this in over a long-term period, so it just becomes an extra utility. “You don’t need to have a Wi-Fi carrier bill anymore,” Marron tells GlobeSt.com. “We own the DNS and shared networks system. We say DNS, which refers to public safety, Wi-Fi and cellular carriers. We own the system and front all of the capital for it. If the building owner sells the building, our system assigns to the new building owner. Of course, they can buy us out if they don’t want the service. It is truly a fourth utility. Think of it as DWP. You aren’t worried about DWP when you sell your building.”