In St. George’s Desert Color Community, Connectivity Is King

A version of this story was originally published on BuilderOnline.com.

When developing a master plan for Desert Color, GWC Capital looked for an internet provider that could check all the boxes.

Desert Color in St. George, Utah has all the enviable amenities one would look for in a master-planned lifestyle community.

Yes, it’s all here, including an extensive trail system that connects neighborhoods throughout the sprawling 3,500-acre community.

“Our approach to the master plan included ensuring that people can be connected physically, whether they are on a scooter, bike, or golf cart,” says Ryan Coates, an area manager with the land development group GWC Capital. “We wanted to create a community where you don’t always have to get in your car, and trails are a big part of that connectivity.”

Digital connectivity was equally important.

In a community designed to support varied lifestyles, from young families to retirees, reliable internet is not a luxury but a necessity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of internet connectivity became even more apparent. As remote work, online education, and digital entertainment surged, so did the demand for robust internet infrastructure. In Desert Color, the partnership with Quantum Fiber, a Lumen Technologies brand, helps ensure residents have access to fast, reliable internet at a favorable rate.

“Desert Color has something for everyone, and so we were looking for a group that we felt had the reputation to deliver on a large-scale project like ours. The partnership with Quantum Fiber is a great addition to our community because it fits perfectly with our connectivity focus and helps ensure that people are connected and receive value from that connectivity.”

Ryan Coates, GWC Capital

What to Look for in a Service Provider

When evaluating potential internet service providers (ISPs) for a community like Desert Color, several key factors should be considered:

Ease of Setup: In a community that puts a premium on convenience, internet setup should be nothing short of easy. “For a homeowner, the ability to be instantly connected upon move-in was a major consideration in selecting our internet provider,” Coates says.

Local Support and On-Site Technicians: On-site support ensures that issues are resolved quickly, minimizing downtime and inconvenience and maintaining high service standards and resident satisfaction. (In a recent survey, over 80% of Desert Color residents reported being pleased or highly satisfied with their internet service.) Builders benefit, too. “On a large-scale project like this, having someone onsite who sees and talks with the builders is crucial,” Coates says. “They can address challenges, provide technical expertise, and deliver excellent customer service.”

Speed, Pricing, and Scalability: The internet speed and pricing must be competitive. Desert Color residents, for instance, enjoy high speed, future-proof fiber internet at reasonable rates. “The economies of scale with a master plan come into play here,” Coates says. As communities grow, so do their connectivity needs. It’s crucial to choose a provider that can scale and adapt to future demands. Service from Quantum Fiber will expand along with Desert Color which boasts 11,000 units and counting.

With Quantum Fiber, developers can provide future-proof digital amenities that meet the evolving needs of tech-savvy residents, fostering vibrant, interconnected communities.

Check out these related resources:

• FAQ: What’s important to know about a bulk agreement?
• Home developers and HOA’s are bulking up on NOI growth.
• Master planned communities can dream bigger with Fiber Multigigabit capabilities.