Vertical: Recreation
Application: Tourist connectivity, emergency communications, remote work enablement
Ecosystem: AccessParks, FreedomFi, Airspan, Telrad, Baicells
Private Network: LTE, CBRS
The great American outdoors is getting connected. AccessParks and FreedomFi have joined forces in an ambitious project to deploy private wireless networks across hundreds of national and state park locations, marking a significant advancement in outdoor connectivity infrastructure.
The partnership leverages CBRS spectrum and Magma open source 5G network software to bring high-speed internet access to some of America’s most visited natural attractions. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is among nirene locations already enjoying the benefits of this technology, with hundreds more sites scheduled for deployment by year’s end.
What makes this initiative particularly noteworthy is its vendor-agnostic approach. By utilizing FreedomFi’s distribution of Magma open source software, AccessParks can implement radio equipment from multiple vendors, avoiding the traditional pitfalls of vendor lock-in. The network architecture also supports roaming agreements with mobile network operators and MVNOs, ensuring seamless connectivity for visitors.
The timing couldn’t be better. With remote work becoming increasingly prevalent and domestic tourism on the rise, the demand for reliable internet connectivity in outdoor spaces has never been higher. According to recent studies, the number of American households camping has increased by over 20% in recent years, while national park visitation grew from 281 million to 327 million between 2010 and 2019.
FreedomFi’s gateway serves as the onsite controller, typically housed in park data centers, managing approximately five eNodeBs. The network utilizes transmitters from established manufacturers like Airspan, Telrad, and Baicells. Since most deployments are in remote areas, the network primarily operates on General Authorized Access CBRS spectrum, simplifying the regulatory requirements.
Tim Rout, CEO of AccessParks, emphasizes the efficiency of the solution: “The FreedomFi EPC has proven so reliable that our team can now configure a new installation within an hour.” This rapid deployment capability is crucial for meeting the project’s ambitious timeline of connecting hundreds of highly trafficked tourist locations.
Beyond basic connectivity, the network serves multiple purposes. It provides emergency communications infrastructure for tourists exploring front country areas, enables social media sharing of park experiences, and supports the growing community of remote workers seeking to combine professional obligations with outdoor adventure.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond immediate connectivity benefits. As the first and only broadband provider approved as a concessionaire by the US National Park Service, AccessParks is setting new standards for connectivity in natural spaces. Their recent contract to deploy similar technology across 200 California state parks further demonstrates the scalability and promise of this approach.
