Dear Campers,I am getting very close to breaking ground on a new RV Campground in Austin, Texas.To that end, I have an important technology question and would greatly appreciate your guidance and feedback.How important is Cable TV at your pedestal?Thanks to Austin's robust technology infrastructure, I have the ability to bring data (read: Internet) to the site via fiber-optic line. This, in turn, will be distributed 100% park-wide via fiber-optic lines to WiFi towers. I believe that we have designed a powerful system that can provide excellent Internet access across the boards.This, combined with the many campers that choose to utilize their own satellite systems, has left me with a conundrum. Do I make the significant infrastructure & contractual investments to provide Cable TV at the pedestals, or, is it simply not that important to modern campers?The last thing I wish to do is "cut corners", but I also do not wish to waste funds on unnecessary expenses when said funds could be re-channeled toward other improvements.Your input is greatly appreciated!Thank you all in advance,John T.

In the overall scheme of things running coax to each post is pretty cheap. There are still enough people that dont travel with satellite equipment to make it worth it at the end of the day

I would consider the strength of the local channels, you are near a city?I believe a strong wifi would be considered more important.I'd consider a modest cable system for the whole campground, you don't have to go high tech, just a strong basic system would work, not that many rvers use satellite. but, even if you don't activate a cable system, I'd suggest you still have it installed for future use.

I don't know about your area, but many of the cable companies are now supplying digital signal and require a set top box to unscramble for each TV. That presents an issue for the park owners.

I would at least provide the extra conduit in the common trench. You can decide later if costs prohibit it now. And with technology the way it is, that conduit may be handy for some new utility in the future.

First… WOW! Y'all are really awesome. I did not realize how quickly feedback would come. Thank you so very much!Per the comment on local area channels: With a HD Antenna one can tune in ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.Again, thank you so much - campers really are one of the most helpful & friendly communities I have ever encountered. John T.

Importance of Providing Cable TV | Good Sam Community

39 Replies

oldtrojan66
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
I agree with the poster who said they would not want to pay extra but would choose a wifi campground over one without. I also agree with putting the fiber optic in now during the early stages is much easier (spelled cost effective) than later, even if you don't use it right now. We have not begun to travel much yet, but plan to in the next couple years and I for one would prefer not to have to buy a satellite system. In the real world, I know I probably will if I want any kind of reception in most places.
sch911
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
Consider this:

Do campers want cable TV: Yes
Do campers want WiFi; Yes
Do campers want to pay extra for these services: No

So this is really business case decision for you...

You need to figure out if you can offer these services, maintain competitive rates, and still keep your profit margins.
RLS7201
Explorer II
Oct 19, 2014
For me, OTA TV in Austin would be sufficient. If you could provide a cable channel with the Big Bang Theory 24/7, I would consider that a plus. GRIN.

Richard
Johno02
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
I think that it would be a good selling point for your park to offer internet and cable. When given a choice, I will not pay an extra fee for cable and especially internet, but I would chose a park that offered it over a park that didn't. Even though the per nite charge might be a bit higher. Seems to indicate that the park might have more concern for the needs of its campers than one that doesn't. I realize that paying a higher price, or paying a fee for service might be the same, its the overall attraction of the park that counts most.
AustinEastRV
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
First… WOW! Y'all are really awesome. I did not realize how quickly feedback would come. Thank you so very much!

Per the comment on local area channels: With a HD Antenna one can tune in ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.

Again, thank you so much - campers really are one of the most helpful & friendly communities I have ever encountered.

John T.
korbe
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
I would at least provide the extra conduit in the common trench. You can decide later if costs prohibit it now. And with technology the way it is, that conduit may be handy for some new utility in the future.
sh410
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
I don't know about your area, but many of the cable companies are now supplying digital signal and require a set top box to unscramble for each TV. That presents an issue for the park owners.
edbehnke
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
I would consider the strength of the local channels, you are near a city?

I believe a strong wifi would be considered more important.

I'd consider a modest cable system for the whole campground, you don't have to go high tech, just a strong basic system would work, not that many rvers use satellite. but, even if you don't activate a cable system, I'd suggest you still have it installed for future use.
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 19, 2014
In the overall scheme of things running coax to each post is pretty cheap. There are still enough people that dont travel with satellite equipment to make it worth it at the end of the day

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Importance of Providing Cable TV

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