YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The National Park Service seeks public comment on a proposal to install indoor Wi-Fi networks and associated equipment throughout Yellowstone National Park’s developed areas for the benefit of park visitors and employees.
AccessParks, a Wi-Fi service provider, has submitted an application for a right-of-way permit. If approved, the permit would allow for the installation of up to 484 small (10-by-10-inch or 7-inch diameter) antennas on employee housing and visitor lodging facilities at Canyon Village, Grant Village, Lake Village, Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful.
To link the
antennas to internet providers outside the park, 39 additional antennas would
be required at Canyon Village, Grant Village, Lake Village, Mammoth Hot
Springs, Old Faithful and on the existing tower at Mount Washburn.
Coverage
could eventually extend to other developed areas such as Norris, Madison and
Bechler for administrative and employee use.
Exterior
antennas would be located in areas to minimize visibility. Where visible, the
installations would be painted to match the buildings on which they are
installed. The new wireless equipment would be installed on existing structures
in existing developed areas and towers or antennas would not be installed in or
servicing backcountry areas.
In an effort
to have no adverse effect to historic properties or districts, many of the
antennas on National Register of Historic Places eligible structures would be
located in attic spaces or under eaves.
The proposed
installations would provide internet service to park visitors and employees in
hotels and housing in developed areas. Consistent with the Yellowstone National
Park Wireless Communication Services Plan, wireless access to recommended
wilderness and park road corridors would be excluded.
Comments must be received by Nov. 29 and may be submitted online at parkplanning.nps.gov/ap, by hand-delivery or by mail to Compliance Office, Attention: Access Parks Broadband Proposal, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.
