You’ve got a construction schedule tighter than a steel beam and a million things to juggle. You’re coordinating trades, ensuring materials show up when they should, and making sure no one accidentally pours concrete over a crucial conduit (yes, we’ve seen it happen). Everything is moving along just fine—until someone asks, “Wait… who’s handling the internet?” And just like that, your project is suddenly at the mercy of an ISP’s timeline, which, let’s be honest, was not designed to accommodate yours.
Why Internet Planning is Critical for Developers
You wouldn’t pour a foundation without confirming where the utility lines go. You wouldn’t frame out a building without planning for HVAC. So why is high-speed internet one of the most essential utilities of modern living—so often an after thought?
Because ISPs make it easy to forget. They don’t tell you that permitting can take months. They don’t mention that installation doesn’t magically happen overnight. And they don’t warn you that, if you don’t engage early, your project might be forced into less-than-ideal solutions.
What kind of delays are we talking about?
- Permitting Purgatory – Depending on the jurisdiction, getting approvals for broadband installation can take weeks—or even months.
- Construction Conflicts – If trenching or conduit placement isn’t mapped early, it can disrupt progress, forcing expensive rework.
Last-Minute Network Adjustments – If broadband isn’t planned upfront, developers may have to pivot to whatever option is available, sometimes at a higher cost or with unexpected constraints
How to Avoid ISP Delays in New Construction
Plan for Broadband as Early as Possible
- Include broadband in your initial project plans—right alongside utilities.
- Work with an ISP that understands construction schedules and can provide accurate installation estimates.
Partner with an ISP That Works at Your Speed
- Some ISPs move at a glacial pace. Others—like Pathfinder—align with your schedule and have flexible deployment options (more on that in a minute).
Think About the End User
- Today’s tenants and businesses don’t just want internet—they expect fiber fast, low-latency connections for streaming, remote work, and smart building tech.
- Choose an ISP that delivers fiber to the unit or enterprise-grade fixed wireless instead of settling for outdated infrastructure.
Consider Flexible Deployment Options
If fiber won’t be available by move-in, a hybrid approach with enterprisegrade fixed wireless can deliver connectivity from day one without long-term compromises.
Best Internet Solution for Contractors: Fiber vs. Wireless
You might be wondering: What’s the best way to integrate internet into a new build fiber or wireless?
| Feature | Fiber-Optic Internet | Fixed Wireless Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 10 Gbps | Up to 10 Gbps |
| Latency & Jitter | Ultra-low (ideal for smart buildings) | Ultra-low (matches or surpasses fiber for enterprisegrade connections) |
| Reliability | Highest reliability metrics for any technology | Very high reliability when engineered optimally |
| Futureproofing | Designed for long-term scalability | Designed for optimal flexibility |
Bottom line: Both fiber and enterprise-grade fixed wireless provide high-performance,future-ready broadband when designed correctly. Many developers start with Fixed Wireless Internet to ensure immediate service and transition to fiber when feasible. It’s not a “backup” plan—it’s a smart, flexible approach to keeping projects on track.
Pathfinder Broadband: Your ISP Partner for Seamless Project Execution
We’ve worked with developers and general contractors long enough to know that timing is everything and that traditional ISPs aren’t exactly known for their speed. That’s why we built a developer-friendly approach:
Flexible Deployment: If fiber isn’t ready yet, we can set up Fixed Wireless backhaul, so you’re never stuck without internet when tenants start moving in.
- Future-Proof Fiber & Wireless: Our direct-to-unit fiber and enterprise-grade fixed wireless solutions ensure scalable, high-performance connectivity. It’s an investment in your property’s long-term valu
Coordination You Can Count On: We don’t leave you guessing about permits,
trenching, or timelines. We work with your team to ensure seamless integration.
