JACKSON, Wyo. — A proposal to upgrade telecommunications in Yellowstone National Park is in the public comment phase. The proposal would improve telecommunication services in developed areas of the park and update antiquated systems currently in place.

The National Park Service (NPS) is encouraging public comment on the proposal until October 21, 2020.

Yellowstone is trying to address an antiquated and deteriorating communications system. Existing bandwidth on the current microwave radio system is inadequate and no longer meets the park’s needs for business operations, employee communications, and emergency communications and operations.

Map of proposed buried fiber optic. Image: NPS

“Due to extremely remote duty stations, recruitment/retention for both the NPS and its business partners is severely affected by a lack of consistent and reliable connectivity,” park authorities say.

If approved, an application for a right-of-way permit from Diamond Communications, LLC. would allow for the installation of fiber-optic cable along 187 miles of park roads buried underground.

Construction would begin in 2021. It would take place mainly from April until early November for three consecutive years. Removal of five, 50-year-old microwave radio reflectors atop various peaks in the park would also take place.

Each reflector is about 28 feet high and 24 feet wide. The existing microwave radio system is the only means of telecommunication (telephone, 911, and computer networks) to the park. Broadband over fiber-optic cable would replace the antiquated system.

Additionally, the Park Service would authorize cellular phone coverage areas in the park as well as substantially improving coverage quality in existing developed areas. An estimated 8% of the park is currently covered by cellular.

According to NPS, no new cellular towers would be installed under this proposal. Diamond Communications will cover all up-front construction costs. Once installed, Yellowstone National Park could subscribe to the broadband services.

Commercial telecommunication systems can be considered a utility and, like other utilities, are authorized on NPS lands using the right-of-way permit process, stated park authorities.

Following the public comment period, an environmental assessment (EA) will be prepared to analyze the proposal and its impact on the environment. The NPS will release the EA for public review before making a final decision about the proposal. The EA is scheduled to be completed in winter 2021.

Comments must be received by October 21, 2020. Comments may be submitted online or by mail. Comments will not be accepted by fax, email, or other means. Mail comments to: Compliance Office, Attention: Fiber Optic Project, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.

Disturbance from a similar project in Grand Teton National Park. Photo: NPS