LinkSpot Brings WiFi to RVs

RESTON, Va. -- Transaction Network Services (TNS), one of the world's leading providers of fast, cost-effective data communications services for transaction-oriented applications, and LinkSpot Networks, a leader in developing wireless Internet solutions for the traveling public, today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of Wi-Fi hot spots (Link Spots) within RV parks throughout the United States.

LinkSpot Networks is using TNS' Telecom Services Division managed Wi-Fi service offering to accelerate the roll-out of wireless networks in RV parks across the country. LinkSpot is already operating in close to two dozen parks in thirteen states, with plans to expand to 100 parks by year's end.

According to a recent University of Michigan study, U.S. ownership of RVs has reached record levels. This study, commissioned by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), revealed that nearly seven million U.S. households – approximately one in 12 vehicle-owning households – now owns an RV This represents a 7.8 percent increase in the past four years and the study predicts substantial RV market growth in the future, projecting a 15 percent gain in RV-owning households by 2010.

Internet access is quickly becoming a desired amenity by this growing population. In fact, industry research estimates that nearly 50 percent of RV owners travel with their computer.

"The Wi-Fi services market is growing rapidly through the progression of WLAN deployments on the end-user front and the TNS-LinkSpot partnership is extending service delivery to the traveling population," said Adam Guy, Senior Analyst, Wireless/Mobile Services, The Yankee Group. "Service providers are looking for ways to realize the revenue potential of Wi-Fi without incurring the capital expense of a network build out. A managed service approach, like TNS' offering, provides a business case for service providers to quickly capture a portion of the Wi-Fi market with the lowest possible infrastructure costs."

TNS' Wi-Fi service offering allows wireless service providers to rapidly deploy carrier-class Wi-Fi services without the capital expense of a network build-out. TNS handles the acquisition and provisioning of access equipment in the RV park and provisions the broadband circuit to supply the necessary bandwidth to route data to the Internet from the wireless local area network (WLAN) on the property. TNS manages the infrastructure and remotely monitors and manages the network 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

LinkSpot creates park-wide Internet access by installing a high-speed line into the park and distributing the service to all sites via standard "Wi-Fi" technology. To use the service, a camper merely needs to install a Wi-Fi card into their computer, open the browser and purchase service. LinkSpot provides loaner kits including the Wi-Fi card for park guests who do not already have the necessary hardware.

"RV park operators are always looking for ways to maintain a competitive edge while improving the customer experience," said Alan S. Kobran, president & CEO, LinkSpot Network. "As RV travelers are using their computer for everything from staying in touch with family to online banking from the road, high-speed Internet access is becoming a necessity for many travelers. Combining our extensive knowledge of the travel industry with TNS' expertise in the communications field, we are accelerating the pace of Wi-Fi service delivery to parks across the nation. With TNS' innovative managed service offering, we are able to quickly and cost-effectively deliver Link Spot Internet access TNS' carrier-grade approach has the flexibility to scale with us as our business continues to grow."

"Wi-Fi is quickly gaining acceptance and offers an attractive opportunity for carriers and suppliers to maintain their competitive edge and grow their bottom line," said Barry Toser, Senior Vice President and General Manager, TNS' Telecom Services Division. "With our Wi-Fi managed services approach we are offering a business model that enables hot spot operators to overcome the cost and time to market challenges associated with deployment. We have created a strategic partnership with LinkSpot to support their continued growth by providing comprehensive support for wireless service deployment and collaboratively delivering service innovation to RV travelers."

LinkSpot Networks Inc.

Transaction Network Services Inc.