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Modern Communication Upgrades for Housing Authorities: Cost-Effective, Compliant, and Connected

Across the nation, Housing Authorities are working toward a shared mission: providing safe, affordable housing while helping residents achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and economic mobility.

But in today’s world, that mission depends on more than roofs and walls — it depends on reliable communication and connectivity, delivered through T-Mobile’s nationwide wireless network to ensure access where traditional wired infrastructure falls short.

Too often, residents lack access to reliable communication, digital resources, or emergency services. Outdated phone lines, limited Wi-Fi, and inconsistent internet access make it harder for families to reach help, access telehealth, or pursue education and employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Housing Authorities must also meet strict compliance standards, maintain safety across multiple properties, and manage technology on tight budgets.

That’s why we built the Communication Hub — a cost-effective solution designed to modernize Housing Authority technology upgrades. Let’s look at the key challenges the Communication Hub helps solve, for leaders, staff, and residents alike.

Driving Mission and Measurable Impact

Housing Authorities are increasingly expected to show measurable progress toward HUD digital equity and economic mobility priorities. Yet limited infrastructure can hold communities back. When residents can’t connect to healthcare providers, access online education, or apply for jobs, it’s harder for agencies to demonstrate outcomes that reflect their mission.

The Premier Wireless Communication Hub helps close that gap. Designed as a single, easy-to-use device, it combines a 7-inch touchscreen, phone, text, and email capabilities, internet access, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. By giving every resident reliable connectivity in their home, delivered over T-Mobile’s nationwide wireless network, Housing Authorities can extend access across urban, suburban, and underserved communities — directly supporting HUD digital equity and economic mobility goals.

From telehealth appointments to job applications, residents gain the connectivity they need, and agencies gain a cost-effective way to deliver (and document) real, lasting impact.

Keeping Communities Safe and Compliant

Safety and Housing Authority compliance remain top priorities across communities. But both are becoming harder to maintain as legacy landlines disappear. AT&T announced that, effective October 15, 2025, it would stop supporting additions, changes, or moves to copper POTS lines across nearly 20 states. By 2029, all copper lines are expected to be fully retired.

Those traditional lines currently support critical building systems, including:

  • Fire alarm panels
  • Elevator phones
  • Building entry systems
  • Fax lines
  • Emergency and public safety phones

These systems are the very infrastructure housing authorities depend on to keep residents safe and properties compliant As carriers phase out this technology, costs are rising and service reliability is declining, creating real exposure to safety and compliance risks.

The Premier Wireless Communication Hub provides a future-ready alternative to POTS line replacement. Running on T-Mobile’s nationwide wireless network, the Communication Hub remains operational even when traditional power or wired internet services are disrupted. It supports direct 911 dialing and transmits accurate E911 location data, helping properties remain compliant with Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act.

With plug-and-play deployment and minimal maintenance, the Hub makes it simple to replace outdated lines with a reliable, compliant, and cost-effective communication solution — ensuring every property remains connected and protected as the transition away from copper continues.

Simplifying Technology and Reducing Costs

For many housing authorities, managing technology across properties can be complex and costly. Maintaining separate systems for phones, internet, and emergency communication strains both budgets and staff resources. Integrations can be cumbersome, and outdated systems are increasingly expensive to support.

The Communication Hub simplifies everything. It’s secure, scalable, and easy to manage, requiring no heavy integration or specialized IT support. Each device can serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot, securely connecting Chromebooks, tablets, and other devices without additional networking equipment. This all-in-one design reduces both cost and complexity, freeing up staff time and resources for resident-focused programs.

Empowering Residents and Closing the Digital Divide

Lack of digital access remains one of the greatest barriers to self-sufficiency. When residents can’t get online, they’re disconnected from critical services, education, and employment: the very tools that promote economic mobility.

Using the Communication Hub, housing authorities can give residents direct access to opportunity. The built-in internet connection enables online learning, workforce training, and telehealth visits, while also connecting other household devices. This closes the digital divide and helps residents build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a connected world.

Building Stronger, More Connected Communities

Every Housing Authority faces growing expectations. The Communication Hub makes it possible to meet those goals cost-effectively and sustainably.

  • Affordable: Reduces communication and maintenance costs compared to legacy systems.
  • Reliable: Operates during outages using a national wireless network.
  • Compliant: Meets all federal emergency communication requirements.
  • Empowering: Expands access to digital tools and opportunities for residents.

By modernizing communication and connectivity, Housing Authorities can reduce risk, improve outcomes, and build the foundation for stronger, more connected communities.

Your Trusted Partners

At Premier Wireless, a trusted T-Mobile Pinnacle Partner, we work with Housing Authorities nationwide to deliver digital access, safety, and opportunity to every resident. Whether you’re replacing aging POTS lines, strengthening emergency communication, or expanding digital inclusion programs, our team helps design solutions that align with your mission, compliance requirements, and budget.

Connect with our team to explore how the Communication Hub can serve as a cost-effective, future-ready upgrade for your properties.