What makes a smart community? Here’s why connectivity matters

Putting smart locks and thermostats in a building does not make it a smart community, says Maz Khan, president and co-founder of Vitalis Smart Communities. Speaking on Broadband Communities’ “Beyond the Cable” podcast, Khan argues that reliable, robust connectivity is the real foundation. Without a network that can handle the load, connected devices only create frustration for residents and tenants.

Khan defines a smart community as one where systems and solutions are fully integrated to make daily life easier, with connectivity as the base layer and tools like AI built on top of it. Vitalis Smart Communities, part of a parent company that owns and operates a commercial real estate portfolio worth about a quarter of a billion dollars, advises HOAs, condos, multifamily owners, and developers on telecom and technology strategies. He credits the firm’s growth to client referrals and its focus on practical, connectivity-first planning. Listeners can hear the full discussion on Apple Podcasts.