Interesting article on Yellowstone

And I don't hate people who can't see beyond the screen of their cellphones, I just feel sorry for them and what they are missing.

Seems like my post was misunderstood, probably due to my lack of education and skills in modern communications. I just regret that so many folks are so intent on using technology that they can't enjoy the beauty and grandeur around them without it. and yes, if I were able, I would leave the motorhome and hike in. I do have a laptop, tablet and smartphone, and use them daily. Sometimes this means having to travel some distance to get access. But, we did very well for many years before the internet, or even telephones were in use. ( and I do remember ).

I don't have any issues with better cell connection/performance as long as they don't use my tax money with which to improve it.

But it looks like the companies want to piggyback off the tax payers. Again. Or maybe that should be: still.

"Ahhh... The miserable and elitist attitude I've come to expect from rv.net shows it's face as usual."

Exactly! I don't tell others how to spend their time while camping, so don't tell me how I should spend mine. If I want to spend the day in front of a computer, on my phone or watching TV is none of your business. As long as I'm not infringing on your enjoyment, don't infringe on mine.

Quoted from OP link:

Louisiana-based CenturyLink has not submitted a formal application on the Yellowstone proposal, according to park officials and company spokeswoman Michelle Jackson. For the project to make economic sense in such a remote area, Jackson said, the company (CenturyLink) has asked for most costs to be covered by the Park Service and companies that would benefit from the line, including Verizon, Union Wireless and park concessionaires.

I agree that overdue maintenance would be a better use of Park Service money in all Parks.

CenturyLink can build and finance their own fiber line without taxpayer money.

TexasShadow wrote:
I understand the feeling of being "disconnected" from friends/family, but I don't understand the apparently intense need to be constantly connected AND INTERACTIVE with them. What's with the INSTANT GRATIFICATION compulsion?

Didn't take long to hear from the "how I use national parks is the only way" crowd. It sure seems the my way is the only way crowd is growing. The unconnected group hates interactive media. The hikers hate the RVers. The Burka bunch hates woman who wear skirts. The list goes on and on.

I think it would be good. I teach online and although I am not on my computer all day, I need to check in at least once per day with my class. This does not mean I do not enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yellowstone or that I am addicted to the computer. I need to use the computer for the classes and day to day things like paying bills while I am on the road. The use of the computer has opened up my ability to travel and see this great country.

We've been to Yellowstone a dozen times,our favorite NP,and always bring a laptop and cell phone.Use them in the morning before we leave camp and at night when we get back if the hot spot works. We see people with their cells glued to their ear all the time and it's their vacation so they can have it the way they want it. I don't care about it as long as they don't make us pay for this so called upgrade.

It makes no never mind to me if they put it in, just as long as my tax dollars do not pay for it. We go there and live through no cell coverage and no WiFi or MiFi or what ever. The DW and I went to Alaska in 2000 and did not use her cell phone one single time. We used a COSTCO phone card when we wanted to call. Never had to make an emergency call or send any of our photos home immediately.

Today both of us have cell phones and we do have a netbook, but we don't have to have them and our DGKs know the electronics are only on from 1/2 hour before dinner and until 9:00. Nothing on trails or visitors centers or anywhere else in a park. The TV is on 1/2 hour before dinner until dinner is served.

They never complain about being without, I guess it's all in how you were raised.

$34 million so people can instantly post their******on facebook. Can't it wait a day. Enjoy the scenery and take in the beauty.

Plus, just think about the damage to the ecosystem that they will do while installing the fiber-optic lines. These do get buried under the ground afterall.

COMPLETE waste of money.