Wireless in the park

CNN brought to my attention to yesterday's publication of the Wireless Communications Services Plan, Environmental Assessment. It is amazing how far wireless communications have come in recent years. Today you can use your T-Mobile or AT&T cell phone at Mt. Washburn and Old Faithful, and you can use Sprint & Verizon cell phones at Mammoth and Canyon.

The recommended plan is summarized as follows:

Alternative C is the park’s preferred alternative; this alternative would add

cellular coverage to the Lake area and improve cellular coverage at Canyon and Tower-Roosevelt. When feasible, the cell tower at Old Faithful would be relocated from its current location to a site near the water treatment plant to further reduce the impact on the viewshed. Antennas located at Mount Washburn would be relocated from the existing fire lookout and placed on a new platform tower adjacent to the lookout to reduce impacts to the viewshed from the historic lookout and improve visitor and park staff safety. On Bunsen Peak, obsolete equipment would be removed and the cellular phone facility would be relocated to Elk Plaza. The electric transmission line to the summit of Bunsen Peak would remain, but the equipment shed would be replaced with smaller equipment (e.g., cabinet sized weather-proof enclosures). Internet-WiFi access would be available at many of the park’s hotels and stores and to residences in park development areas.

This is a very conservative proposal and hopefully will be effective. I am generally in favor of increased cellular coverage for safety reasons. WiFi will probably be helpful. I have benefitted from the proliferation of high-speed internet access, enabling me to do work from the porch with a view of Hebgen Lake. However, I was struck by the mass of laptop users in the lobby of Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park this summer.

Only time will tell, but I will continue to spend more time in the backcountry whenever possible.