Research shows how many RVers select a campground based on the availability of Wi-Fi. In a survey of TengoInternet's subscribers, 97.8 percent report they would select a wireless campground over a modem-only campground. And more than 60 percent of TengoInternet's subscribers say they use the Internet for more than just e-mail, noting that they spend 2-5 hours a day online.

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    "This market is competitive and has grown quickly - from a mere 4 campgrounds in 2002 to over 500 at the end of 2004," said Eric Stumberg, President and CEO of TengoInternet. "Campground owners now realize that their customers depend on internet access and expect to find convenient internet access at their destination. TengoInternet works with campground owners to help them successfully offer the amenity, so that their guests have the best customer experience. Most of the time that means the guest will make a return trip to their campground and spread the word to fellow RVers."

    Today, there are many providers in the marketplace helping on-the-go users stay connected. TengoInternet, based in Austin, Texas, is the oldest and largest wireless service provider for the campground and hospitality industries. Founded in 2001 by Eric Stumberg and Marty Heaner, TengoInternet, which means, "I have Internet" in Spanish, enables RV park and campground owners across the United States and Mexico to offer high speed Internet access to customers. TengoInternet has earned a reputation for creating happy campers, and as a result, the company has grown exponentially, establishing TengoZones, or Wi-Fi hot spots, in more than 500 RV Campgrounds located in 14 states and Mexico.

    So what exactly is Wi-Fi, and how do you get it when you hook up?

Lakeside RV Park, Louisiana

    Wi-Fi allows computer users to share a high-speed Internet connection without cumbersome wires or delays caused by dial-up access and it requires four (4) components: a high-speed connection, a network gateway, a wireless network and a wireless-ready PC. A high-speed connection, also known as broadband, provides access to the Internet at rates faster than dial-up service. Services such as ISDN, cable modem, DSL and satellite are all considered broadband Internet services. Wi-Fi allows computer users to share a high-speed Internet connection without cumbersome wires or delays caused by dial-up access. To use the service, a customer connects wirelessly via the wireless network to the gateway, launches their Internet browser, authenticates through the gateway by entering a coupon code or purchasing time via credit card, and then enjoys high-speed Internet.

    Before selecting a park or campground, be sure to find out if it offers wireless Internet service. You can get this information either on the campground's website, or by calling ahead. In addition, when making your reservations, either online on over the phone, make sure to let the campground know that you are interested in wireless access and request a pad or site within the network coverage area. Because some campgrounds do not offer full coverage to their sites, TengoInternet provides all owners with a coverage map noting the best location areas within their campgrounds for wireless access.

Encore Tampa East / Florida

    Once at the campground, you need only a computer and wireless adapter to access the Internet. Most adapters, or wireless network cards, are built into laptops. They can also be purchased separately, or sometimes bought or rented at the campground. In addition to a wireless networking card, using TengoInternet's wireless service within any of our TengoZones requires an operating system running Windows 98 SE or higher, Macintosh 8.5 or higher; and an Internet browser like Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, or Netscape 4.7 or higher. If you don't already have a wireless adapter, be certain to purchase or rent a high-quality adapter from a reputable consumer electronics store. In some cases, you may have to install software or initiate a simple installation process with the wireless adapter. And like most products, not all wireless adapters on the market are alike. Some are not as good as others and can impede your efforts to gain wireless access.

    Wireless service has come a long way, but it's not yet like dial tone for customers wanting to use the service. Wi-Fi requires the main internet connection to the park to be reliable, the coverage provided by the wireless signal or the RVers adapter to be adequate and the RVers computer to be properly configured. The two main reasons that customers experience problems are due to computer configuration and wireless coverage issues. Windows operating systems, dialer programs, viruses, spyware and adapter software issues can prevent an RVer from having a reliable connection. The design of the wireless network determines wireless coverage, or the ability to "Hear me now?"; and is impacted by trees, larger vehicles, metal siding or poor-performing wireless adapters that may interfere with a good signal.

    When you are selecting a park or campground with wireless access, choose wisely. As the market to provide Wi-Fi service has grown, so have the number of service providers. Since being online is a must-have for most RVers, be sure to select a campground that has chosen an experienced service provider that has a reputation for great customer service. As we reviewed, WiFi is not yet dial tone and you'll want someone to help you if you encounter a problem. What's more, if you're moving around the country a great deal, try signing up with a provider that has installed service in many locations throughout the country. This way, when you pull in and hook up, logging in is conveniently at your fingertips.

    Wi-Fi is definitely changing the way people communicate and do business on a daily basis. And as Wi-Fi technology continues to grow in popularity, more campgrounds will install it. For RVers, it is no longer a luxury amenity; it is a must-have that can be the determining factor between selecting one campground over another.

    So before you hit the open road, make sure your destination is a campground with a reliable Internet service provider offering Wi-Fi. To find out more about wireless Internet access, visit: www.tengointernet.com.