<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN"> <HTML> <HEAD> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <META NAME="Generator" CONTENT="MS Exchange Server version 6.5.7653.38"> <TITLE>Wireless Communications Services Plan, Environmental Assessment</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY>  Today NPS opened the EA for public comment about their Wireless Communications Services Plan.  The report wishes to establish a consistent parkwide policy that will most likely set a precedent for other National Parks.  Visit this URL to read it and make comments: <A HREF="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=111&projectId=12023&documentID=24710">http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=111&projectId=12023&documentID=24710</A> In a nutshell NPS wants to replace existing equipment in areas near hotels but withhold additional coverage to backcountry areas, along roads or lesser developed areas such as Madison or Norris.  Current agreements expire in late 2009. Cell towers are now located at Old Faithful, Grant Village, Mount Washburn, Bunsen Peak, and Elk Plaza (Mammoth). The preferred alternative would add cell service to the Lake area, upgrade existing equipment, relocate the OF tower (camouflage might help!), upgrade the Mt. Washburn site, add new equipment to Bunsen Peak to increase parkwide bandwidth and relocate existing equipment from there to Elk Park.  All major developed areas would get improved WiFi and cell service. Personally I'd prefer something between Alternatives A (upgrade as needed) and C (expand services via new policy limits). Thanks, Udo Freund </BODY> </HTML>