Santa Says Texas is First on His List, Thanks to Free Wireless Internet

The Texas Department of Transportation and Coach Connect Corp. are bringing free wireless internet to Texas 102 safety rest areas, and that's good news for Santa and other holiday travelers. Santa says he will deliver toys to Texas first since he can use WiFI to check his list and stay in touch with the North Pole.

(PRWEB) December 20, 2004 -- In a markedly frank announcement Santa Claus stated that he’ll be able to deliver Christmas gifts to the children of Texas first, and more efficiently, thanks to the new wireless (Wi-Fi) internet access at the state’s rest areas.

“I’m starting my big night in Texas thanks to these new Wi-Fi stations,” Mr. Claus said.

Mr. Claus is referring to Road Connect the new joint venture between the Texas Dept. of Transportation (TxDOT) and Coach Connect Corp. that is providing free high-speed wireless internet access at safety rest areas and Travel Information Centers across Texas.

“Checking my list twice!?! That is so 1880’s. Today I’ve got to check my list a lot more than twice. And Texas is the only state in the country that lets me get online right on the side of the road – and it doesn’t cost anything,” stated Santa rubbing his fingers together.

He continues, “It’s perfect for someone like me who travels a lot. I can get online, check the weather maps, email the elves with changes and give the reindeer a well deserved rest.”

It’s all part of an innovative TxDOT program aimed at decreasing driver fatigue by enticing travelers to make more frequent stops at safety rest areas. Once online they can access travel and safety information, as well as information about local area attractions, accommodations and dining.

“I won’t have any time for sightseeing but I’m dying to try the new 802.11g data rate device we installed in Rudolph’s nose,” said Mr. Clause.

By October 2005 wireless access will be available at all 102 Texas safety rest areas. The newest three free wireless rest stops in Texas are on US-287 near Hedley and Quanah west of Amarillo. Service is already available at the Medina County safety rest area on US 90 East of San Antonio.

At no cost to the state, Coach Connect will install all equipment necessary to acquire a broadband internet signal. Travelers with wireless enabled computers will have immediate and free access to Road Connect, a suite of products and services including local community information and two free hours of wireless (Wi-Fi) access to the World Wide Web. Additional Wi-Fi access will be available by subscription.

To find out more of the benefits and plans for Road Connect please call Santa Clause at Coach Connect Corp. 1.866.912.6224, or email e-mail protected from spam bots

www.RoadConnect.net