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Friday, November 30, 2007

RVers Drive Wifi Hotspots

A new survey on wifi use and hotspots sheds interesting light on RVers use of this internet connectivity tool. The research undertaken by MultiMedia Intelligence, a marketing group, indicates that while Europe has by far the greatest "footprint" of wifi hotspots (42% of world's hotspots), the US tops the world's useage, with a whopping 53% of connections made projected for 2007. The group says companies like Starbucks and McDonald's who offer wifi connections to customers has a great deal to do with the American popularity of wifi.

Coffee and burgers aside, the group says that RVers are a driving force in the marketplace. While the growth in hotspot locations will continue to be in cafes, the greatest uptick in specific users locations will be "public venues and RV locations." Worldwide, the research indicates that 170,000 wifi hotspots will be operating by the end of the year.

Photo: JEM on flickr.com

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posted by Russ and Tiña De Maris at 11/30/2007 01:07:00 PM

6 Comments:

  • When chosing an RV park, my first choice is always the one with WiFi. Preferably with the connection included in the price of the stay. WiFi is more important to me than other amenities. I love to travel in my RV and I need to stay connected for my business and financial matters. No income, No travel. I wish more RV park owners would recognise this need and accommadate RV travelers like myself. I have discussed this with my neighbors many times and find many feel the same way.

    By Blogger Bob, at 8:57 AM, December 15, 2007  

  • I look for WiFi anywhere I go, too. As a backup though, I use a wireless aircard through my cell phone provider to ensure I have some sort of internet connection while on the road. Other than in some extremely rural areas or mountainous terrain, it hasn't failed me yet. If you stay near interstate highways, then cell phone signal is available just about everywhere for the most part. And if there is WiFi available, the software will notify me and I can switch over while still connected to the cellular connection. I have had very few problems so far.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:04 AM, December 15, 2007  

  • I agree with Bob. We always look for a site with "free" WIFI for the same reasons. .....not able to work, not able to travel! However we have found that some RV Parks say they have WIFI but you will only be able to access it "if" you are parked near their repeater station and if it's a big park, you're out of luck. They usually do have a computer room though located in or near their office so if you have a laptop, you'll be ok.

    By Anonymous jeezlouise, at 11:07 AM, December 15, 2007  

  • I take my laptop when we RV and have found a lot of the parks now charge for WiFi. With the price of the parks going up I think this is not a good thing. If I have to pay for their not so good WiFi, then I will do without!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:17 AM, December 18, 2007  

  • I got tired of poor quality signal, when advertised places said 'Oh we cover the whole place'. So I put together a Hughes dish and don't worry about it.
    Anyone interested might check this out HughesnetDish4Sale@gmail.com

    By Anonymous boatcat, at 6:33 AM, December 19, 2007  

  • Sorry about that Mr. Boatcat but your Hughesnet thingy don't work! It just brings ya right back to this article.

    By Anonymous desertratdan, at 6:00 PM, January 12, 2008  

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