New Mexico’s state parks are grappling with the growing demand for Wi-Fi accessibility, as officials consider expanding connectivity across all 35 parks. The State Parks Division recently concluded a five-year contract with Viasat, providing Wi-Fi service in 10 state parks. This limited rollout has provided valuable data for assessing the feasibility and impact of broader implementation.
According to an article by KOB 4, 40 percent of campers consider Wi-Fi availability a critical factor in choosing their campsite, while 82 percent of U.S. campgrounds already offer Wi-Fi. These statistics underscore the changing expectations of modern outdoor enthusiasts seeking to balance nature experiences with digital connectivity.
Toby Velasquez, director of the New Mexico State Parks Division, acknowledges the significance of this issue. “Wi-Fi in parks is definitely something that’s a national discussion,” he said. Velasquez points out the growing demand for connectivity even in natural settings.
The potential expansion of Wi-Fi services in state parks presents challenges. Implementing Wi-Fi infrastructure in remote locations can be costly and technically complex, potentially involving the installation of antennas and cell towers that could impact the natural environment.
Velasquez emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to Wi-Fi expansion. “It’s going to be a balance of different locations. You know what we’re able to provide, for example, at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in the heart of Albuquerque versus Pecos Canyon or Sugarite Canyon State Park up in Colfax County might be a different menu than what we would see in other areas,” he said, noting that the level of connectivity may vary depending on the specific park and its location.
The debate reflects a broader discussion about technology in outdoor recreation. Some campers prefer a more traditional, unplugged experience. We call it dinosaur camping,” Sterling Williams said. “There’s no Facebook, there’s no social media. It’s really talking and spending time with your family.”
This perspective contrasts with those who appreciate the option to stay connected. Jan Branham said, “We can unplug anytime we want to, but we like to be outside. We like to hike, we like the scenery, but we still want to be able to watch Netflix when we’re tired.”
Velasquez acknowledges the complexity of the situation, stating, “We still see, you know, folks who are interested in remaining connected in different ways, and so that’s really going to be the challenge for state parks in New Mexico moving forward.
As the State Parks Division reviews data from its pilot program with Viasat, several key questions emerge. Velasquez outlines these considerations: “How much is too much? How much is needed? What is not needed? And how’s that going to be provided? Is it going to be a user pay, user benefit option? Is it going to be something that’s somehow supplied by the government entity in order to maintain that connectivity?
The potential expansion of Wi-Fi in New Mexico’s state parks aligns with a broader trend in outdoor recreation. As state leaders continue to weigh the pros and cons of expanding Wi-Fi access, they must balance the desires of tech-savvy campers with those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience.