Over the years we've written a number of articles and editorials about the emergence of WiFi and other methods of accesss to high speed internet that are increasingly available to RVers in their travels. While each of these pieces reflects information and comment applicable to prior "snapshots in time", this topic has been such a rapidly "moving target" that we wanted to summarize some of the more important current trends and impacts for both RVers and park owners.
The Changing Landscape
When we first began writing about this general subject, we pointed out that while wireless internet ("WiFi") appeared to be the primary means by which RVers would have access to a speedy internet connection, no doubt there would be other solutions. In fact this has come to pass. We're seeing more and more parks that actually furnish one or more computers already connected to a cable, DSL or satellite connection. And of course it's increasingly commonplace to see RVs with roof-mounted satellite dishes that can provide a 24/7 connection for the rig's owners (and not infrequently to a number of RVs parked nearby!). Some parks that have a high speed connection are dangling eithernet cables out over a comfortable seating space for RVers with laptops. More cell phone options are coming online that offer speedier connections using the cell signal. And we now see the prospect of new technology that will offer wireless internet access over a far broader area than previously thought possible.
Just a few years ago not many RVers were knowledgeable about, or equipped to handle, a wireless connection. Ths is no longer the case, and a large percentage of RVers are now fully conversant with how to use it. High speed connections -- of whatever type -- are so much speedier than the old "dial up" option that RVers now deem dial up connections entirely unacceptable. Many new laptops no longer include a "modem card". For a growing number, high speed internet access is an absolute requirement in the selection of an RV park.
In the early days of "modem friendly", many parks saw the opportunity for an added revenue stream and charged a fee for the use of a phone line when RV guests wanted to access email or the internet. Slowly "modem friendly" came to mean that a park offered a phone connection without an additional charge -- it became an "amenity" that was among the most sought after perks of staying at a particular park. As WiFi rolled onto the scene, virtually wiping out the interest of most RVers in phone connections, many parks again saw the opportunity for a revenue stream, and paid outside providers to install the necessary equipment to provide the signal, collect the fees, and supply any needed support. In the early stages, park owners were persuaded by outside providers that WiFi should be seen as an added "revenue stream".
But just as major motel chains discovered, WiFi had a far more valuable role -- in attracting new business. At this point the notion of "free WiFi" has become the norm. Many RVers will simply not tolerate the high cost of paying for a wireless connection, especially if they are just staying a day or two. RV parks that are not providing free WiFi are surely failing to tap into the increased occupancy that free high speed connections can offer. Those who committed to long term fee-based contracts would have been wise to consider the recommendations given here over time. Free WiFi is here to stay, and will be found in most of the successful and profitable RV parks everywhere.