BT rolls out wireless internet at caravan parks
Wednesday, 12, Aug 2009 04:38
In the wake of the boom in caravan holidays, telecommunications giant BT will be providing wireless internet (Wi-Fi) at major UK holiday and leisure parks.
Access to Wi-Fi will be provided through the popular BT Openzone wireless internet access service. Included in the first wave are 77 Camping and Caravanning Club sites and three Pontin's holiday camps. There will also be internet access at Coastfields Leisure sites in Skegness. The service will be provided through a new partnership with Wicoms, it was announced today.
Surveys this year have shown more Brits than ever have opted to stay at home this summer in the face of the recession. Simon Davies is the chief technology officer at Wicoms and he noted: "Lots of Brits have stayed in the UK rather than head overseas this year. Families tell us that holiday sites are another location where they want to get online. Teenagers and gadget addicts are set to be heavy users."
For the anticipated 50,000 visitors expected at the sites over the August bank holiday, there is full access to all the web can offer. Existing BT Openzone users will be able to connect any wireless-enabled device to the service via the usual landing page. The service will cost nothing for BT broadband customers with inclusive BT FON Wi-Fi minutes. Meanwhile subscribers to Openzone and O2 iPhone users with inclusive Wi-Fi minutes in their contracts will also access it for free.
Other users new to the service can buy a BT Openzone voucher online at www.btopenzone.com with access starting from ½p per minute.
Chris Bruce is the general manager of BT Openzone , and he had this to say about adding wireless to the caravan sites: "Having the option to get online and stay entertained will provide a useful 'plan B' if the weather does its worst, and being able to look up tourist information and hunt out local gems will make for a better trip."
If you're curious to know more before setting out on your caravan holiday, here's a link to BT Openzone
Do you rely on the internet when taking a caravan holiday? Please tell us your thoughts below.