Searching for a Signal

For many, exploring the Great Outdoors means disconnecting from the busy nature of everyday life. Perhaps this is the reason why two new proposals to bring cell service to Mount Rainier National Park have created such a stir.

While the park has yet to issue a decision, many have already issued opinions on the matter.

Perhaps at the crux of the issue is whose responsibility is it for you to unplug from the world. Most phones come with the ability to block all incoming signals. If one wants to ignore the world, this is a simple step. However, what about those who choose to keep their phones connected? Their rings and notifications could certainly pierce the sounds of nature. Again, couldn’t one argue that personal responsibility would mean silencing your phones outside.  Of course we all know that not everyone would do this.

What to make of the potential safety benefits of service in the wild?

How about you? Would you like to send a snap or update your Facebook status from the highpoint of Washington (or other states), or would you rather wait until getting back to civilization?

This entry was posted in General. Bookmark the permalink.

3 Responses to Searching for a Signal

  1. Stephen Lepley says:

    No cell phones on Rainier please. We need to peace and quite.

  2. Can cell service be limited to emergency calls only? Maybe that would be a way to limit the impact inside the park. As for surrounding federally designated wilderness, which provides “… outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined type of recreation,” unlimited cell service seems like an obvious violation.

  3. Joseph Guyther says:

    If it improves the availability of 911 service, I might be in favor of it. On the other hand, there have been instances where fallen climbers have made 911 calls from inside a crevasse below Camp Muir so the current level of service may be adequate for safety purposes. Ultimately I believe it is an individual’s responsibility to refrain from disturbing others in the wilderness and any attempt to ‘regulate by denial of opportunity’ the irresponsibile is doomed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *