Yellowstone National Park is seeking public comment on a proposal to install fiber optic cable in developed areas, saying the existing telecommunications system is inadequate.
According to a Yellowstone press release Monday, adding nearly 200 miles of underground fiber in and along some park roads would not expand authorized cell phone coverage areas but would substantially improve coverage quality in existing developed areas.
Fiber optic cable would also provide more consistent and reliable connectivity for telephones, park computer networks and broadband internet, according to the press release.
Yellowstone officials say the existing microwave radio system falls short of what’s needed for business operations and emergency communications, and makes it difficult to recruit employees who live in more remote parts of the park.
Officials say installing fiber optic would also allow the park to remove 5 microwave radio reflectors, each about 28 feet high and 24 feet wide, that were installed in the backcountry decades ago.
If the proposal is approved, Diamond Communications, a full service wireless infrastructure provider, would apply for a right-of-way permit to install fiber optic cable and pay for all up front construction costs. Installing underground fiber could create traffic delays in the park from April until early November for three consecutive years, according to the press release.
Park officials say the proposal is consistent with Yellowstone National Park's Wireless Communications Services Plan and other applicable policies and laws.
People who want to submit public comments on the proposal must do so by April 21st, either by mail or through an online portal.
Comments may be mailed to: Compliance Office, Attention: Fiber Optic Project, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.
Yellowstone is expected to make a final decision this summer.
