Older Generation of Buyers First to Adopt Newest Generation of Technology BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Homebuilders used to prepare for buyers' technology and communication needs by installing phone jacks and cable outlets, and passing along the contact information of local telephone and cable TV providers. However, as more homebuyers embrace telecommuting, distance and on-line learning, complex entertainment options and other tech-savvy undertakings, homebuilders are finding advanced technology and communications services are quickly becoming must-have amenities for new homebuyers at all stages of life. Pulte Homes (NYSE:PHM) , a FORTUNE 150 company and one of the nation's largest homebuilders, is at the forefront of meeting homebuyers' current and future telecommunications needs. Several of Pulte Homes' largest master planned communities have recently launched as "Connected Communities," specifically designed to accommodate buyers' advanced needs for Internet, telephone and cable TV services. A Pulte Homes "Connected Community" has three basic components in every home: * Access to a high quality broadband service (high-speed Internet) * Access to a community-wide website or portal - a "hub" that links residents together and includes content and applications such as community activities, scheduling tools and resident interaction * Structured wiring - the in-home network that connects the home's computers, TVs and telephones to each other and out to the Internet. Active Adults and Technology Yet it's not just first-time Generation X and Y homebuyers driving Pulte to build Connected Communities - one of the most comprehensive "Connected Communities" is Pulte's Sun City Carolina Lakes community in Lancaster County, SC. This Del Webb active adult community, where at least one resident in the household must be 55 or older to meet the age restriction qualification, opened for sales in March 2006 and is projected to include up to 4,400 homes. It is a shining example of what a "Connected Community" can offer to its residents, according to Pulte Homes' vice president of homeowner services Russell Wyatt. "Active adults aren't necessarily retiring to our communities - many still work full or part time and have spent many years in the workforce with technology at their fingertips," said Wyatt. "They are not willing to sacrifice technology in their next phase of life and Pulte supports their demand at communities like Sun City Carolina Lakes by building a community that offers a Fiber-to-the-Home network, wireless or Wi-Fi hotspots and community portals. In fact, the 2005 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey conducted by Harris Interactive showed that among all respondents ages 41-69, 82% cited "wiring for Internet access" as one of the most important features they would want in a retirement residence. The survey also showed that 96% of respondents who are online use the Internet for email, while a good percentage - 21% of those ages 41-49, 15% of those ages 50-59, and 15% of those ages 60-69 - use the Internet to telecommute. Sun City Carolina Lakes resident Phil Ford appreciates the upgraded technology, as it enables him to run a successful business from his home and keep in touch with his neighbors about the myriad of activities offered at the community. "The website work I do requires a reliable, high-speed Internet connection from home," says Ford. He also notes that many residents and guest speakers utilize the community's Wi-Fi access. "When speakers address various Sun City clubs, Wi-Fi enables them to share websites as part of the presentation without needing a traditional Internet connection." Of equal importance to his ability to work from home is Ford's appreciation for the Sun City intranet. "Our new site, oursuncitycarolinalakes.net, is a great way to get news and photos and meet new neighbors before you even move in," said Ford. "We've learned about local politics, building techniques, progress of the amenities center, who to call for sprinkler systems, and so on. I also use the 'Groups' feature a lot -- for example, finding out a bicycle ride is coming up later this week." Fiber-to-the-Home Another advantage that Pulte Homes is bringing to an increasing number of new homebuyers around the country is access to Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), an advanced network technology that is installed directly to homes. Pulte Homes has partnered with Verizon and AT&T in a number of markets to bring this amenity to homebuyers, including markets in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C., Florida, New England, New York and New Jersey. FTTH involves the installation of a fiber optic cable directly to the home. This fiber optic cable has virtually unlimited bandwidth capacity and the capability to deliver both current and future high bandwidth services and applications to the home. The fiber cable extends from a main "line" that the service provider runs through a neighborhood or street, directly into the home - much like a traditional copper telephone wire or coaxial cable TV wire. "As a comparison, think of fiber optic cable as a fire hose and a traditional coaxial or copper cable as a straw," explained Wyatt. "The 'fire hose' cable has far more bandwidth capacity to deliver bundled services like cable TV, data and phone into the home. In this way, FTTH 'future-proofs' the new home for future communications services, with its virtually unlimited capacity to deliver bandwidth intensive applications and services to the home." How are people using FTTH now that it is becoming increasingly more available? * Home offices/telecommuting -- FTTH provides an office-quality internet connection that enhances a homeowner's ability to work remotely * Distance learning - students can have access to distance or Internet- driven learning programs. FTTH enables students to quickly download huge volumes of course materials, including streaming video and real-time video learning, as well as upload assignments and projects * Online gaming - both children and adults can enjoy the high-bandwidth access that FTTH provides, enabling them to participate in entertainment such as multi-player, Internet-based role playing games "We're really just at the tip of the technology iceberg with what we can offer our homebuyers," said Wyatt. "As buyers from entry-level to active adult and everyone in between make it clear that technology and communication are critical parts of their lifestyles, Pulte Homes is meeting those needs and preparing for the telecom needs of the future." http://www.delwebb.com/ http://www.divosta.com/
