Two Kentucky state resort lodges, Rough River Dam and Lake Barkley state resort parks, now offer wireless, high-speed Internet access, Parks Commissioner George Ward announced today.

     The wireless network embraces all lodge rooms, the main lobby, and meeting rooms at both parks. There is no charge for the access. A guest may use his or her own laptop computer’s network card to log onto the network or borrow a device from the park for a $100 refundable deposit.

    “We’re delighted to offer this service to our guests,” said Commissioner Ward. “High speed internet access is quickly becoming an expected amenity for hotels in the private sector. Soon, this feature will become as common as remote-control color TVs in hotel rooms. ”

    The networks will provide fast download speeds of up to 4 megabits per second. Support and troubleshooting information will be made available around the clock through a toll-free phone number.

    Ward said that the department plans to roll out wireless access to the remaining 15 resort park lodges once it has been provided with an approved budget. The goal is to have access in all resorts in 2005.