Campers say hi-de-hi to wi-fi

The rise in ‘glamping’ or ‘glamorous camping’ has driven an explosion in wi-fi usage across British holiday and leisure parks - including camping and caravan sites. Usage rose 350 per cent in the first two weeks of the school summer holidays according to figures released recently by BT Openzone.

As more and more Brits opt to spend their holidays camping in the UK, families are turning to their iPhones, iPads and other smartphones for entertainment and inspiration to make the most of the temperamental British weather, and to ensure they stay connected. More than 60 per cent of BT Openzone customers are now turning to wi-fi to check e-mails and surf the internet in their leisure time.

Chris Bruce, chief executive, BT Openzone said: “Technology is coming to the aid of the traditional British holiday, as more and more people opt for more glamorous camping holidays. Wi-fi is proving to be a simple but essential way for holidaymakers to access the internet and to keep their families amused during unpredictable weather.”

BT is seeing growing demand for wi-fi in the leisure and hospitality sector. Wi-fi access is inclusive/at no extra cost for five million BT broadband customers with unlimited BT FON wi-fi minutes to use at over 1.5m hotspots and access is also included for BT Openzone customers. BT also recently launched an iPhone and Android application that enables BT customers to automatically browse over wi-fi by finding their nearest BT Openzone or BT FON hotspot.