Now you can get Wi-Fi at Lake Mead National Recreational Area

By Mick Akers

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 | 2 a.m.

Those who want to enjoy the great outdoors but stay connected are in luck as Lake Mead National Recreational Area has added wireless internet.

The National Park Service entered into a five-year concessions contract that brings wireless internet service to the park, utilizing the latest fiber optic technology.

The service connected visitors Friday, the start of the Labor Day weekend when 150,00 to 200,000 visitors were expected.

“The way people gather and share information has changed. Visitors are looking for more than a park newspaper and map,” said Lizette Richardson, park superintendent. “Today, people search online for hike information, to read reviews, to watch videos from other hikers and to download maps. Offering Wi-Fi allows our visitors to do that, enhancing their visitor experience and providing an added element of safety.”

The fee-based service provided by AccessParks features subscription rates of $4.95 per day, $14.95 per week and $29.95 per month per device.

Wireless download speeds are a minimum of 25 Mbps and upload speeds are a minimum of 10 Mbps. These speeds support voice, video and data over any device with Wi-Fi capability. There are no data caps.

Service is available at Boulder Beach, Lake Mead RV Village, Hemenway Harbor, Las Vegas Bay and Callville Bay. Other areas of the lake including Katherine Landing, Cottonwood Cove, Willow Beach, Temple Bar and Echo Bay are expected to go live with the service later this year.

“Our team has decades of experience delivering broadband Wi-Fi to the most remote regions on the planet. We are thrilled at the opportunity to design, build and manage true broadband for our nation’s parks,” said Tim Rout, chief executive officer, AccessParks. “Our revolutionary technologies for fiber optic-fed Wi-Fi deliver speeds you would expect at home, at no cost to the government or venue operator. This is enabling park visitors of all ages to stay longer, learn more and share more of their park adventures with others.”

To access the wireless service mobile users can choose the AccessParks Wi-Fi network in the wireless settings on any mobile device or computer while visiting a connected location.

The user then must open a web browser and select their preferred package. The subscription will be valid at every location within the park where service is available.

If visitors are having issues with connecting to the Wi-Fi they can contact AccessParks 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-888-507-1128.

“Our park vision is to inspire and challenge everyone to find their connection to Lake Mead National Recreation Area,” Richardson said. “Offering wireless internet allows visitors to easily share that connection with the world.”