Campground Internet Access

Subject: Campground Internet Access
From: Max
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 05:13 PM

Its about time:

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sleeping bag? Check. Flashlight? Check. Bug spray? Check. Internet access? Check!

The long days of summer are here, and now that many Americans are preparing for their summer getaways, one landmark for U.S. and Canadian travelers -- Kampgrounds of America (KOA) -- is taking steps to make sure campers can stay "wired" during their vacations.

KOA, North America's largest network of commercial campsites with more than 500 locations, recently equipped more than 85 of its franchised campgrounds with Internet access kiosks so that campers can access the World Wide Web and America Online (AOL.N) with the same ease as making a long-distance phone call.

"I know people want to get away from the telephones and everything else, but they also want the ability to stay connected," said Dave Nusbaum, vice president of marketing at Billings, Mont.-based KOA. "This is something that allows them to be connected to friends, family and business, and also look up the possibility of reservations at other KOA campgrounds along the road."

The red and yellow, tepee-shaped beacon that lights every KOA campsite is familiar to pretty much anyone who has taken a North American road trip within the past 30 years. And those who have actually camped at KOA Kampgrounds know the sites are not lacking in most modern-day necessities.

With more than 75,000 campsites at more than 500 locations in Canada and the United States, KOA manages to satisfy just about anyone -- from the "roughing it" backpacker to the easy-going retiree who wants to plug in his recreational vehicle and have access to swimming pools, clean bathrooms and telephones.

"The kiosks we're deploying are going to the campgrounds that are at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the top of Mount Rushmore. It really provides public access to the Internet any time, anywhere,"" said Eric Wagner, president of the public access division at Louisville, Ky.-based Darwin Networks, which provides high-speed Internet access to companies.

Over the past year, demand for public Internet access has increased. Many large corporations, including airlines, hotels and entertainment firms, have been testing out pay-as-you-surf Web access outlets in busier public areas.

Darwin Networks has contracts with hotelier Marriott International Inc. (MAR.N), British Airways Plc (BAY.L) and the Amtrak passenger railroad, as well as some Walt Disney Co. (DIS.N) properties.

A recent University of Michigan survey determined that about 8.6 million U.S. households own recreational vehicles (RVs) and about 9.3 million RVs on the road today. That number, along with the 25 million U.S. campers, hikers and "weekend warriors" who trek through KOA campgrounds every year, make campers an untapped demographic for Web businesses.

Nusbaum said KOA sent out an invitation to its more than 500 owner-operated campgrounds in the United States and Canada last week. Since then, more than 50 campsites, in addition to the 85 already rolled out and another 15 planned, have asked for Internet kiosks. The goal is to eventually have all 500 locations hooked up.

Among the 85 "wired" sites are locations in the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the Florida Everglades, Graceland -- yes, Elvis's mansion in Memphis, Tenn. -- and Niagara Falls, among others.

"The demand is there," Darwin's Wagner said. "Our products are very easy to use, and you can get on with a single dollar bill and get access to wide range of services."

Access costs about 20 cents per minute and customers can insert dollar bills or swipe a credit card for service. Once they're logged on, they can surf the Web using a customized browser developed by Darwin Networks that allows them to access any Web-based e-mail account and America Online accounts.

Subject: RE: Campground Internet Access
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 05:36 PM

Well that will be handy when camping catters need to print out DT material for singarounds at the campgrounds.

~S~

Subject: RE: Campground Internet Access
From: SeanM
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 06:33 PM

It's sometimes useful to have that level of access. One of our bandmembers has been able to work shows only due to the fact that we could find him area internet access to continue his "real" job while in town for the gig. For any 'catters where this is a concern, there are also laptops with cell modems for heavy work. If you're really in the need, you can spring for the satellite modem apparently... instant net access anywhere on earth...

M

Subject: RE: Campground Internet Access
From: BlueJay
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 12:14 PM

Jeez, and I remember hitting the KOA's from time to time mainly for shower and laundry facilities.

Subject: RE: Campground Internet Access
From: Peter T.
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 12:22 PM

Is there anything more laughable than listening to these people contradict themselves in the same sentence!!!!:

"I know people want to get away from the telephones and everything else, but they also want the ability to stay connected," said Dave Nusbaum, vice president of marketing at Billings, Mont.-based KOA. "This is something that allows them to be connected to friends, family and business, and also look up the possibility of reservations at other KOA campgrounds along the road."

Dave -- can I introduce the second half of your sentence to the first half of your sentence????????????????

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Campground Internet Access
From: Gary T
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 12:26 PM

I wouldn't introduce them, Peter. It would probably result in a big fight breaking out!