The How and Why of WiFi: Parks Canada Replies ... Quickly

The air is abuzz right now regarding Parks Canada's plans to implement WiFi service into park areas, but some of the media coverage has been slightly misleading (or perhaps too generalised) by referencing "remoter areas" or tossing in pics of tent setups (if you look closely, there are buildings around the tents :-)) in a piece or two.  I'm not going to provide media links because you're all 'net savvy and can find that for yourselves.

This news has outdoor people like me ranting on social media more than usual, attracting two camps of thinkers also trying to uncross their signals on the issue: those who feel I'm possibly over reacting and not giving the process a fair shake, and those freaking out right along with me because we care about retaining the organic peace and quiet and natural functionality of anything beyond the outhouse, RV hookup, or info centre.   Do you really need to Google what just crawled past your sweaty socks? Keep your ears tilted towards the woods!  That melodic bird chirping is not a Macintosh Face-time call in.  It's a real bird.  Enjoy it while they're still migrating here!     

Obviously, I've settled down, fully intending to get to the facts of it all - like ... "how far is this realistically and economically going to reach and have you asked ALL OF US about it?!"  I checked on Parks' website yesterday, and found squat under 2014 news releases.  I'm not going to delve into my posted rant, and all the reasons why I'm against too much urban zombie technology becoming another "distraction issue" (safety-wise), so here is some decent information sent to me pronto from Quebec-based Francois Duclos, Manager of Visitor Experience Planning.  They may not have sent me the list of actual locations I requested, but the statement highlighted in blue pretty much satisfied my prime concerns.  At least for now.

"Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding WiFi in national parks and national historic sites.

As you have seen in the media recently, Parks Canada has decided to offer WiFi internet access at key locations within select national parks and national historic sites in response to visitor demand.  This demand is generally based on the needs for on-the-go trip planning, for near real-time experience sharing (Social Media) as well as to stay in touch with friends, family and even work.

During 2014 - 2015, Parks Canada estimates that a total of 25 to 50 hotspots could be installed in 15 to 20 national parks or national historic sites across Canada.  The WiFi hotspots will normally be located in places such as Visitor Centres or serviced campground loops, and where visitors already congregate for other services.  The WiFi hotspots will not be installed in wilderness areas nor will they cover extensive areas.  A typical hotspot only covers a few hundred square metres.

Parks Canada is currently at the exploratory phase of pre-qualifying national WiFi suppliers.  Once the pre-qualified list of suppliers is established, Parks Canada will request bids for offering WiFi internet services at specific locations.  For each potential location, Parks Canada will make the final decision based on visitor needs as well as costs involved.

This service will typically be included in the Park Entry Fee.  It will be deployed gradually in a measured way to ensure that the needs of those wanting to remain connected are met, while the experience of those wanting quietness and solitude through "disconnection" remain unimpaired.

Again, thank you for reaching out to us.

Sincerely,
Francois Duclos"

Thanks Francois!  So, there it is.