Modern communications technology has made it easier for grey nomads to stay in contact with loved ones while on the Big Lap … and indeed helped persuade many of them to take the plunge in the first place … but when is enough enough?
Like nearly everywhere in the world, more and more places in Australia are becoming Wi-Fi enabled … and it seems likely that even ‘wilderness’ areas will eventually succumb.
There was major debate on the issue in the US last year when Yellowstone and Glacier national parks toyed with the idea of installing new 30-metre tall telecommunications towers. Now, Parks Canada, the body responsible for the amazing national parks in Canada, has announced it is accepting bids from companies to provide wireless internet to visitors in national parks and national historic sites.
The agency wants to install wireless internet access hotspots at up to 50 of its parks this year, and it expects to triple that number soon afterwards. It expects to offer the service free of charge in some locations, but charge a fee in some cases, such as where the cost is excessive or the location particularly remote.
Parks Canada says it has to move with the times as today’s visitors expects to be able to stay in touch with work, friends and family, and stay up to date on the news and connect with social media wherever they are.
Wireless supporters say better coverage will improve visitor safety, and the ability to download smartphone applications that can deliver instant information on plants and animals, will enrich park visitors’ experiences.
To the camping purist of course, the idea of a tapping keyboard competing with the sounds of the wild is simply wrong, and crocodiles and waterfalls shouldn’t have to vie for a tourist’s attention with a Facebook joke or an ‘irrelevant’ tweet.
While the cost of bringing Wi-Fi to Australia’s remote parks would be immense, the fact that Canada – with its comparable vastness – is doing so, means it is not as unlikely a possibility as might first be thought.
In the meantime, communications-loving grey nomads who love the wilderness will just have to continue to plan ahead to stay connected. When in sprawling parks such as the Northern Territory’s Kakadu, for example, they will find that most of the park has no mobile access … but there is some network coverage in Jabiru and Cooinda and at the Bowali Visitor Centre. Similarly, Wi-Fi and internet access can only be found at the library in Jabiru … or at one of the hotels in Kakadu!
* Would you like to see Wi-Fi hotspots throughout our national parks or does it fly in the face of the ‘getting-away-from-it-all’ concept? What is the most inappropriate place you have seen someone being ‘distracted’ by technology? Comment below.
I think Technology is spreading a bit to far, Who wants to know whats happening in FB and the such..
– For a tool to keep in touch with families and such is a good idea..
To be able to contact the Emergency dept/people yes…
IT’s nice to have access… but to spoil the sights of nature in such a way.. no..
I can just imagine a tel-co tower parked right in front of one of Australia’s Iconic sight’s.. “Ayers Rock” or Better Still on top of Ayers rock as it the heights point in the area..
Juergen
Yes – I think Wi-Fi hotspots in national parks and isoated areas would lessen the need for travellers to carry satellite phones and personal e-pirbs to seek assistance in an emergency.
Let’s get wi fi between major towns on our national highways first, so many places with none for hundreds of kilometers ,then think about remote parts, service rural areas before the parks,
There actually is an off switch on our gizmos, so you don’t have to tap away and frighten the wildlife! But eventually yes connect up the wilderness, the towers now are quite discreet
Not throughout the Parks, but at the Visitor centre and main camping spots it would be great.
we live in Maianbar, within the Royal National Park in Sydney. we would be happy with mobile coverage!