National Park Service approves Wyoming cell service project

JACKSON, Wyo. – Wyoming park officials have approved a plan to bring high-speed internet into the Grand Teton National Park.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reported Friday that the National Park Service authorized a proposal Aug. 15 to build a network of nine cell towers and 63 miles (101 kilometres) of a new fiber-optic line between Flagg Ranch, Moose and Kelly.

Park officials say multiple telecommunication companies proposed the plan to wire the park, and the scope of the infrastructure is unprecedented within the National Park system.

Officials say new signals are expected to cover portions of the adjacent Teton Wilderness.

Advocacy groups and residents question the importance of internet in the woods.

Officials say construction could begin this fall, but the bulk of it is expected to be built in 2020.

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Information from: Jackson Hole (Wyo.) News And Guide, http://www.jhnewsandguide.com