Communication Services

Phone systems, email, messaging platforms, and tenant communication tools.

1. VOIP Phone System

1.1 Phone System Requirements

RequirementPriorityNotes
Business Phone NumberMUSTLocal 410/443 area code (Loudoun County)
Voicemail with TranscriptionMUSTRead messages without listening
Mobile AppMUSTAnswer from anywhere (owner-operated model)
Call ForwardingMUSTOff-hours routing to personal cell or voicemail
Basic Call LogsMUSTRecord-keeping for business purposes
Auto-AttendantOPTIONALNice for professional image; not required at 18 suites
Video ConferencingOPTIONALUseful for prospective tenant virtual tours

1.2 Usage Profile

FactorProfileNotes
Primary UserOwner/managerSingle line operation
Call VolumeLowMost tenant communication via text/email
Desk PhoneOptionalMobile-first acceptable for owner-operated
HoursBusiness hoursVoicemail active after hours
Call TypesProspective tenants, vendors, occasional client inquiriesNot high-volume call center

1.3 Vendor Comparison

Nextiva Core ($15/user/month) - RECOMMENDED

FeatureIncluded
Unlimited calling US/CanadaYes
Voicemail transcriptionYes
Mobile app (iOS/Android)Yes
Desktop appYes
Video conferencingYes (included)
Auto-attendantYes
Call analyticsBasic
ContractAnnual for best rate

Pros:

  • Best price-to-value ratio
  • Full feature set at budget price point
  • Professional voicemail transcription
  • Video meetings for virtual tours

Cons:

  • Annual contract for best pricing
  • May require port existing number (3-5 business days)

Ooma Essentials ($19.95/user/month)

FeatureIncluded
Unlimited calling US/CanadaYes
VoicemailYes
Mobile appYes
Virtual receptionistYes
Ring groupsYes
Call logsYes
ContractMonth-to-month

Pros:

  • No annual contract required
  • 100+ phone features
  • Good for startup flexibility
  • Established small business provider

Cons:

  • Higher monthly cost than Nextiva
  • Video conferencing on higher tiers only

RingCentral Core ($20/user/month)

FeatureIncluded
Unlimited calling US/CanadaYes
Voicemail transcriptionYes
Mobile/Desktop appsYes
Video conferencingYes
IntegrationsExtensive
Uptime SLA99.999%
ContractAnnual

Pros:

  • Enterprise-grade reliability
  • Extensive third-party integrations
  • Strong uptime guarantee

Cons:

  • Higher cost for features beyond single-user needs
  • Enterprise features overkill for 1-line operation
  • Better suited for multi-employee operations

1.4 Decision Matrix

FactorWeightNextiva CoreOoma EssentialsRingCentral
Monthly CostHIGH533
Feature CompletenessMED545
Mobile App QualityHIGH545
Flexibility (No Contract)LOW252
Video ConferencingLOW525
Weighted Score-4.63.63.8

1.5 Recommendation

Primary: Nextiva Core ($15/month)

  • Single line sufficient for owner-operated model
  • All required features included
  • Best value for business VOIP

When to Add Second Line:

  • Phase 8 noted manager hire at 93%+ occupancy
  • Add second line when hiring part-time assistance
  • Upgrade to multi-user plan at that time

1.6 Setup Requirements

TaskTimelineNotes
Select VOIP providerPre-opening -4 weeksSign up for service
Port number or get new-3 weeksPorting takes 3-5 business days
Configure voicemail greeting-1 weekProfessional greeting recorded
Set up mobile app-1 weekTest on owner's phone
Configure call forwarding-1 weekAfter-hours routing
Test systemPre-openingVerify all features work

1.7 Budget Summary

ItemOne-TimeMonthlyAnnual
VOIP Service (Nextiva)$0$15-20$180-240
Desk Phone (optional)$50-100$0$0
Headset (optional)$30-75$0$0
TOTAL$0-175$15-20$180-240

2. Tenant WiFi & Connectivity

2.1 Service Offering

AspectSpecificationNotes
WiFi Included in RentYesPart of premium positioning (like free laundry)
Dedicated Tenant NetworkYesSeparate from guest network
Business ReliabilityRequiredSupports tenant booking, payments, operations
Marketing ValueHIGH"High-speed WiFi included" in suite amenities

Strategic Decision: Free WiFi is a value-add that supports premium positioning established in Phase 4. Unlike competitors who may charge extra, Luxa includes WiFi as standard amenity.

2.2 Network Design

Reference: Network architecture from Phase 11-02 infrastructure specification.

NetworkVLANPurposeSecurity
Luxa-TenantVLAN 20Suite WiFi for tenant devicesWPA3
Luxa-GuestVLAN 30Client waiting areaWPA2
ManagementVLAN 10Access control, cameras, NVRWPA3-Enterprise

Tenant Network Configuration

SettingValueRationale
Rate Limit50 Mbps per clientFair share across 18 suites
Client IsolationEnabledTenants cannot see each other's devices (privacy/security)
Device Allocation~5 devices per suitePhone, tablet, payment terminal, laptop, music
Band SteeringEnabledPrefer 5 GHz for better performance

Guest Network Configuration

SettingValueRationale
Rate Limit25 Mbps per clientSufficient for waiting clients
Captive PortalOptionalTerms acceptance; professional appearance
PasswordPosted in receptionSimple access for clients
SSID BroadcastVisibleEasy discovery for visitors

2.3 Coverage Requirements

AreaCoverage PriorityNotes
All 18 SuitesMUSTFull signal strength in every suite
CorridorsMUSTSeamless roaming
Reception/WaitingMUSTGuest network primary zone
Break RoomSHOULDTenant network access
Laundry RoomOPTIONALNice-to-have

Access Point Placement

For ~3,500 sq ft facility:

LocationAccess PointPrimary Network
Front Zone (Reception + Suites 1-6)UniFi U7 Pro #1Tenant + Guest
Middle Zone (Suites 7-12 + Common)UniFi U7 Pro #2Tenant
Back Zone (Suites 13-18)UniFi U7 Pro #3Tenant

Result: Zero dead zones; seamless roaming throughout facility.

2.4 Internet Service Requirements

SpecificationMinimumRecommendedNotes
Speed100 Mbps symmetrical200-500 MbpsShared across all tenants
TypeBusiness-classFiber preferredSLA for reliability
Static IPRequired1 IP minimumRemote camera viewing
Uptime SLA99.9%Higher preferredBusiness operations depend on it

ISP Considerations (Loudoun County)

ProviderService TypeTypical Business Pricing
Verizon Fios BusinessFiber$100-200/month
Comcast BusinessCable/Fiber$100-200/month
Local FiberFiberVaries by building

Installation Timing: Order ISP service 4-6 weeks before opening. Installation may require landlord coordination.

2.5 Tenant Communication About WiFi

Move-In Orientation

WiFi Information:
- Network Name: "Luxa-Tenant"
- Password: [provided during orientation]
- Support: Contact facility manager for connection issues
- Guest Network: "Luxa-Guest" available for your clients

Usage Guidelines:
- 5 devices per suite typical allocation
- Avoid large downloads/streaming during peak hours (10am-7pm)
- Payment terminals and booking apps work reliably
- Report connectivity issues promptly

WiFi Policy

PolicyDetails
Credentials DistributionDuring move-in orientation only
Password RotationAnnual or upon tenant turnover
Support ContactFacility manager (owner/manager)
Prohibited UseNo excessive bandwidth consumption
LiabilityStandard disclaimer in lease

2.6 Budget Summary

ItemOne-TimeMonthlyAnnual
Internet Service (Business)Installation varies$100-200$1,200-2,400
Network HardwareSee Plan 02$0$0
Access PointsIncluded in 02$0$0
TOTAL WiFiVaries$100-200$1,200-2,400

Note: Network hardware (router, switch, APs) budgeted in Plan 02 (Infrastructure Specification).


3. Tenant Booking Ecosystem

3.1 Context: Independent Contractor Model

Critical Compliance Note: Tenants are independent contractors (ICs), not employees. This has important implications for booking software:

AspectWhat It MeansCompliance Requirement
Software ChoiceTenants choose their own booking systemDO NOT require specific software
Payment ProcessingTenants handle their own client paymentsDO NOT dictate payment systems
Client RelationshipsTenants own their client relationshipsDO NOT create dependency on facility systems
SchedulingTenants set their own hoursDO NOT impose scheduling through software

Facility's Role: Provide information and support, not mandates.

3.2 Popular Booking Options for Tenants

The following are common choices among independent beauty professionals. This list is informational only - provided during onboarding to help new tenants who don't already have a system.

Square Appointments

FeatureDetails
PricingFree tier available; Plus $29/mo
Best ForTenants already using Square POS
Key FeaturesOnline booking, reminders, payment integration
Payment Processing2.6% + $0.10 per transaction

Pros:

  • Free tier sufficient for most
  • Strong payment integration
  • Widely recognized by clients

Cons:

  • Advanced features require paid tier
  • Less specialized for beauty industry

GlossGenius ($24-48/month)

FeatureDetails
PricingStandard $24/mo; Gold $48/mo
Best ForIndependent stylists wanting modern design
Key FeaturesBeautiful mobile-first design, marketing tools, client management
Payment Processing2.6% flat rate

Pros:

  • Beautiful, Instagram-worthy aesthetic
  • Built specifically for beauty professionals
  • Strong client engagement features

Cons:

  • No free tier
  • Mobile-only (no desktop app)

Vagaro ($24-48/month)

FeatureDetails
Pricing$24/mo single user; scales with features
Best ForTenants wanting marketplace exposure
Key FeaturesOnline booking, POS, marketplace listing, loyalty programs
Payment Processing2.2% + $0.19 per transaction

Pros:

  • Most feature-rich option
  • Marketplace listing for client discovery
  • Good for tenants building new clientele

Cons:

  • Can be overwhelming
  • Higher cost for full features

Salon Suite Solutions Tenant App

FeatureDetails
PricingFREE to tenants (if facility uses S3 for PM)
Best ForTenants who want zero cost option
Key FeaturesBooking, invoicing, client management
Payment ProcessingVaries

Pros:

  • No cost to tenant
  • Integrated with facility system
  • Potential differentiator for tenant recruitment

Cons:

  • Only available if facility uses S3 PM software
  • May be less polished than dedicated apps

3.3 Facility's Role in Booking

ActionAppropriate?Notes
Provide list of optionsYESInformational during onboarding
Require specific softwareNOIC violation
Charge booking system feesNONot appropriate
Highlight S3 tenant app perkYESIf using S3 for PM - it's a benefit
Help tenants troubleshootOPTIONALGood service, not required
Integrate with facility systemsOPTIONALIf tenant requests

Sample Onboarding Language

Booking Software:
As an independent contractor, you choose your own booking and payment
systems. Here are popular options used by suite professionals:

- Square Appointments (free tier available)
- GlossGenius ($24-48/mo)
- Vagaro ($24-48/mo)
- [If using S3] Our property management includes a FREE booking app for
  tenants - ask about the Salon Suite Solutions tenant app benefit

You are NOT required to use any specific system. This is informational only.

4. Complete Technology Stack Summary

4.1 Phase 11 Technology Overview

All specifications from Phase 11 consolidated:

CategorySolutionPlan Reference
Property ManagementS3 or Suite Manager11-01
Access ControlNexkey or ButterflyMX11-02 / Phase 4
Security CamerasUniFi Protect11-02 / Phase 4
NetworkingUniFi11-02
VOIP PhoneNextiva Core11-03 (this doc)
Internet ServiceBusiness ISP11-03 (this doc)
Tenant BookingTenant's choice11-03 (this doc)

4.2 Recurring Cost Summary

CategoryMonthly (Low)Monthly (High)Annual (Low)Annual (High)
Property Management$100$300$1,200$3,600
Access Control$300$1,100$3,600$13,200
Security Cameras$0$0$0$0
Networking$0$0$0$0
VOIP Phone$15$20$180$240
Internet Service$100$200$1,200$2,400
TOTAL RECURRING$515$1,620$6,180$19,440

4.3 Hardware Cost Summary

CategoryLow EstimateHigh EstimateNotes
Access Control$5,000$12,000Nexkey (low) to ButterflyMX (high)
Cameras + NVR$2,900$4,600UniFi Protect 8-camera
Networking$1,700$2,700UDM Pro + Switch + 3 APs
Phone (optional)$0$100Mobile-first acceptable
TOTAL HARDWARE$9,600$19,400One-time

4.4 Total Technology Investment

PeriodLow EstimateHigh EstimateNotes
Year 1$15,780$38,840Hardware + 1 year recurring
Year 2+$6,180$19,440Recurring only
3-Year Total$28,140$77,720Hardware + 3 years recurring

Alignment Check: Phase 8 facility cost model includes ~$14,578/month operating expenses. Technology recurring ($515-1,620/month) fits within this budget.

4.5 Key Technology Decisions for SBA Plan

DecisionChoiceImpact
Subscription vs One-TimeMixCameras/network one-time; access control/PM subscription
Enterprise vs SMBSMBRight-sized for 18-suite facility
Single VendorHybridUniFi for cameras/network; specialists for PM/access
Remote ManagementRequiredAll systems support owner-operated model

4.6 Implementation Priority

Install systems in this order (dependencies flow downward):

PrioritySystemWhy First
1Internet ServiceEverything depends on connectivity
2Network InfrastructurePowers cameras, access control, WiFi
3Camera SystemSecurity operational before tenants
4Access ControlReady before first tenant move-in
5Property Management SoftwareReady for first lease signing
6VOIP PhoneCan use personal cell initially if needed

Implementation Timeline

Week Before OpeningAction
-8 weeksOrder internet service; begin ISP installation
-6 weeksNetwork equipment arrives; begin wiring
-4 weeksCamera and access control hardware arrives
-3 weeksInstall cameras, access control hardware
-2 weeksConfigure all systems; test functionality
-1 weekFinal testing; prepare tenant credentials
OpeningIssue first tenant credentials

5. Document References

Phase 11 Specifications

DocumentContent
11-01-PLAN outputsProperty management software specification
11-02-PLAN outputsInfrastructure specification (cameras, access, network)
11-03-PLAN outputsThis document (communication services)

Prior Phase References

PhaseDocumentRelevance
Phase 3Service modelOwner-operated concierge model
Phase 4access-security.mdAccess control and camera details
Phase 4Experience standardsPremium positioning (free WiFi, laundry)
Phase 8Financial modelOperating expense budget

Technology stack complete. All specifications ready for vendor quoting and SBA business plan inclusion.


Communication & Tenant Services Specification Complete Phase 11: Technology Stack - Plan 03 Complete

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