Glacier pitches cellular, internet upgrades

Glacier National Park is asking for public input by March 9 on an ambitious plan that would improve telecommunications in the park for officials and visitors.

The proposed action would correct deficiencies in radio, phone and computer or data-based communications that “support park operations and would also develop guidelines for connectivity in developed areas for non-governmental end-users.”

The proposed plan would include several site-specific actions, but a press release stated “the full scope or design cannot be known until closer to the time of implementation.” For this reason, the park is preparing an environmental assessment for the plan that will “analyze broad environmental impacts and defer site-specific issues to subsequent and additional project-level review, analysis, and compliance.”

Possible actions under the plan — separated into those that would improve telecommunications for park operations and those that would expand connectivity for non-governmental uses such as tourism — are listed in the public scoping document.

Options for improving federal connections include installing microwave links at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, East Glacier, and possibly Huckleberry Lookout, in addition to a satellite internet system at Logan Pass. Other possibilities include the installation of a fiber-optic cable to the Fish Creek Ranger Station, and the installation of solar panels and/or propane-based power at communications sites for backup power.

As for how the park plans on better-connecting visitors and other non-governmental individuals, the document lists several considerations, including one that would “establish the Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Rising Sun and Lake McDonald Lodge developed areas as appropriate locations for commercial telecommunications infrastructure,” including cellular and other technologies.

According to the press release, reliable and effective telecommunications systems are essential to the performance of park operations and maintaining employee and visitor safety. But radio, phone, and computer and data-based communications in the park are currently limited, unreliable, or unavailable in several areas.

Depending on one’s cellphone plan, devices can find sporadic connections on the east side of the park, but on the west side, service is virtually nonexistent past the Lake McDonald area.

Many would argue this limited service is part of Glacier National Park’s allure, but the press release states “reliable and effective telecommunications systems are essential to the performance of park operations and maintaining employee and visitor safety” because there is an “increased reliance on connectivity in developed areas among visitors and off-duty employees.”

The push to connect the public is partially spurred on by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The act requires the National park Service to consider applications from commercial providers that propose installing telecommunications infrastructure on park lands. The plan would “establish parameters for telecommunications in infrastructure, coverage areas, and other factors.”

The public scoping document also identifies various issues and concerns with the plan. Cost and efficiency are two primary concerns followed by possible impacts to park resources. These resources include historic districts and structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks and Glacier’s wilderness and wildlife.

Comments from the public on the assessment are due by March 9. The public can submit comments online.

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com.