WiFi Camping

In the past we have had tendency to associate wireless internet access with the leading edge of technology. Something that the technology geeks use and the high powered business executives use. We associate WiFi with expensive iPhones, and laptop computers. We associate Wifi with trendy coffe shops. It used to be a status symbol for people who can afford to pay for the expensive technology and $5 coffee drinks.

But a July 9th story published by the Associate Press shows just how far wifi technology is seeping into our culture.

The story reports that a growing number of campgrounds are installing wireless internet in the campground in response to customer demands. Yeah sure, people might go to a campground for the fun of pitching a tent, coking over a fire, and communing with nature, But before crawling into their sleeping bag at night, more and more campers want to check their e-mail and post their pictures to flickr.

RV parks are especially feeling the demand from customers for free wifi access at RV campgrounds. The article quotes Jef Sutherland, vice president of information services for Kampgrounds of America, as saying "We've become a society where e-mail is as important as our phone for business and personal communications. Our guests just expect Wi-Fi at KOAs."

Forget the iPhone as a cultural indicator. I think it's far more significant that our society has embraced internet culture to the point where we demand wireless net access at places like campgrounds. We've clearly mved passed to the tipping point for pervasive internet access and shows that a critical mass of people don't want to ever be out of touch with their online persona.