Case Studies     

Solution

DISH proposed a bulk rate for TV and internet service to all units. The bulk service included 48 of the most popular channels selected using Nielsen ratings for the 55+ age group, regional sports networks, a community channel and an electronic programming guide channel. The 48 channels were distributed through a smartbox installed at each property connected to 3 discrete satellite dishes near the equipment room. Since the signal is received directly at the property, the signal is also stronger and more reliable than cable. The smartbox can output both an analog and digital signal to optimize the performance of any TV without the need for a set-top box at each television. This allows each TV to receive the best signal they are capable of displaying without a set-top box. Each TV in the skilled nursing facility was provided a simplified, easy-to-use, antimicrobial remote with a hidden battery compartment.

DISH leveraged its network of internet providers to provide a gigabyte circuit at each property. The dedicated property circuits allow DISH to charge properties for their true bandwidth needs and upgrade the circuits as usage increases. It also allows DISH to also provide higher bulk speeds than a cable company might offer, sometimes up to a gigabyte per resident. DISH installed Wi-Fi access points throughout the property (in each office, unit and community area) to create an always active service, so residents didn’t have set up modems or purchase Wi-Fi routers (which reduced failure points and frustration).

All services are remotely monitored and managed with dedicated call support. Local technicians are nearby to provide support for problems that cannot be solved remotely. All of DISH’s equipment has comprehensive parts and labor warranties, and the smartbox is more energy efficient than previous equipment solutions or DIRECTV’s solutions.

Individual residents who wanted their own accounts could do so and upgrade to DVRS, more channels and faster internet speeds. DISH’s technicians even offer TV hanging and surround sound services, so the property management doesn’t have to worry about it and can just tell their residents to call DISH. Residents receive a discount on the programming package they select which reflects the channels the REIT is already paying for in the bulk channel lineup.

The REIT was pleased they had a consistent national solution at a reasonable cost per property with flexibility to please every resident. The residents were delighted they did not have to call a technician when they moved in to watch TV or get connected and the internet speeds provided a crystal clear stream of their grandchildren calling on Skype or FaceTime.

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Solution

DISH and its partners Airwave, Apogee, Elauwit, Pavlov, and others are market leaders in providing the best solution to off-campus student housing property owners. DISH and its partners have optimized solutions for these types of properties by providing bulk services, where the property purchases internet and TV services in “bulk” for every unit, usually receiving a discounted price per unit. Students don’t want the hassle and headache of the traditional cable model of calling to set up individual accounts, providing credit information, picking up equipment or waiting for an installer, returning equipment, etc. Cable companies in return aren’t eager to handle the transitional nature of students.

DISH and its partners survey each property/building to provide high-speed internet by leveraging relationships with third party internet providers. These high bandwidth circuits are then distributed throughout the property via GPON, Ethernet or DOCSIS networks depending on the property’s existing wiring or costs to rewire. Properties’ budget and structure also dictate whether DISH and its partners install Wi-Fi access points from Cisco or Ruckus hidden in closets, walls or ceilings (prevents damage, tampering or theft), or choose to provide modems and routers in each unit.

DISH invested over $5 million developing the smartbox the perfect solution for provisioning live TV to students. The smartbox outputs in both analog and digital signal to optimize the performance of any TV without the need for a set-top box at each television. This allows each TV to receive the best signal they are capable of receiving without a set-top box. It provides an electronic programming guide, so students can find and watch their shows and sports without having to distribute separate materials. Since the signal comes directly from a satellite receiver at the property, the signal is also stronger and more reliable than cable. The smartbox can also integrate the distribution of a community or welcome channel with just about any device (computer, raspberry pi, edge QAM, or IP stream).

DISH and its partners can remotely monitor and manage many components of its smartbox and DOCSIS, Ethernet or GPON systems, preventing problems and solving some problems remotely to provide a higher level of customer service. DISH and its partners also provide dedicated call centers who understand what equipment and set up is each property, which is not found by larger cable companies, with large phone trees.

Between the high speed and ubiquitous Wi-Fi, live television to any TV, and all the increasing VOD content available online and Sling TV ( a DISH product), the students at these student housing properties are well taken care of. These innovative solutions attract new students, especially when word gets out that the Wi-Fi is faster at the property than any other property and causes current residents to renew for the next year.

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Solution

When the University contacted DISH about their smartbox for a new TV distribution platform, DISH introduced Apogee, a DISH partner who is the largest higher education ResNet and video solutions provider. Apogee did more than just discuss the smartbox, but discussed revamping their entire ResNet system along with their television. Since Apogee amortized the cost of upgrading systems over a 5 year period, they were able to propose a flat yearly fee well within IT’s budget. IT was able to outsource the installation and the heavy demands students usually put on their department when moving them in, and the IT department was able to continue to work on mission-critical tasks for the school. The entire solution included:

• installation of DISH’s smartbox

• remote monitoring and management of both smartbox and DOCSIS, Ethernet or GPON systems

• flexible contracts to meet owners capital and operational expenditure desires

• redesigned and wired properties cable or ethernet infrastructure to provide optimal coverage and speed (if budget allowed), or worked with properties existing cabling infrastructure

• purchased and installed the latest and greatest equipment from Ruckus, Cisco and other technology equipment leaders

• installed Wi-Fi routers in ceilings and in walls to provide the best coverage while preventing the risk of students damaging or taking routers home with them.

• relationships with 3rd party internet providers (Zayo, XO, AT&T, CenturyLink, Cogent, Level 3, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) with contracts for business grade fiber circuits to each property to solve the data demands of today and tomorrow’s students

• created their own fiber rings

• 24x7x365 call center support that understands the nuances of a property

• local tech support

• Compliance with Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement (CALEA)

• Integrated emergency alert system that ties TV, text and Internet alerts into one system

• Compliance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

As a result, the demand for dormitory beds increased the next semester as word got out among the students about the blazing fast internet speeds and innovative video solutions.

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