Keeping Service Members Connected

October 15, 2024

Installations and communities across the country are looking for ways to keep service members and military families connected, including through technology such as Wi-Fi and 5G technology. Boingo is one of the providers of innovative technology solutions across DOD. On Base talked with Rebecca Gray, who leads Boingo’s military projects.

ADC: Tell us about Boingo’s “Instant-On” Fiber-to-the-Home project at Fort Carson Military Family Housing.

Gray: Boingo’s “Instant-On” Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) is a new, pivotal solution for military families and their quality of life. To better serve those who serve, Boingo reimagined home internet service. Military families need affordability, mobility, quality and convenience when it comes to their home connectivity, so we designed and launched the first “instant-on” FTTH solution for the U.S. military.

Live at Fort Carson Military Family Housing, Boingo Fiber offers 1 gigabit download and upload internet speeds, with no data caps, no hidden fees, no contracts and no equipment charges. With “instant-on” technology, customers simply scan a QR code on a preinstalled Boingo Fiber box in the home and pair it with their preferred router or whole-home Wi-Fi system. It’s that easy.

FTTH adds to Boingo’s extensive communication infrastructure offerings for the Department of Defense, which includes 5G, towers, Wi-Fi and private networks. We do it all, and because of our expertise, more than 100 U.S. military bases rely on Boingo to securely connect barracks, dorms, family housing, classrooms, training facilities, gyms, offices and other on-base locations.

ADC: Help people understand why a service such as this is more than a convenience for service members and military families.

Gray: Boingo Fiber is specifically designed to meet the price point, mobility, lifestyle and convenience needs of those living on base. Bringing the power of fiber-optic technology to military bases unlocks reliable, premium and affordable connectivity that enriches the quality of life for service members and their families. Lightning-fast service enables families to stream multiple devices anywhere in the home, pursue online education and training, have a telemedicine appointment, engage in remote work, stay in touch with loved ones, access gaming and entertainment platforms and so much more.

Service members and their families on military bases require reliable and high-speed internet access. Prioritizing this need underscores commitment to their overall well-being.

ADC: Boingo is a sponsor of ADC’s upcoming Installation Innovation Forum in San Antonio. What are you looking forward to at the event?

Gray: ADC brings leaders from military, technology and infrastructure together to share ideas and move priority initiatives forward.

I look forward to discussing how advanced wireless networks—including 5G, towers and Wi-Fi—are transforming base communications, installation resilience and enhancing the lives of service members. The Installation Innovation Forum is a chance to collaborate, share insights and continue Boingo’s commitment to delivering reliable, secure, and mission-critical connectivity to support the evolving needs of the U.S. military.

I will also have the opportunity to join Rachel Jacobson, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy & environment, for the Army workshop on Day 1 of the event, and it’s a session I’m greatly looking forward to.

October 15, 2024

Recent News

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Montana to Add Permanent Guard Facility in Billings The Montana Army National Guard is building a new 50,000-square-foot aviation training and support facility near the Billings airport, KTVQ reported. The state’s only similar facility is in Helena. “The city of...

Free Barracks Wi-Fi on the Way, Owens Says

Free Barracks Wi-Fi on the Way, Owens Says

Free Wi-Fi in military barracks is an operational issue, and the services are piloting programs to add connectivity, said Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and environment, according to a DOD story. “Every time we go and we visit...

HASC Members Push Senate to Include Quality of Life Recs in NDAA

HASC Members Push Senate to Include Quality of Life Recs in NDAA

The 13 members of the bipartisan House Armed Services Committee panel on quality of life improvements are urging Senators to include its recommendations in the negotiated National Defense Authorization Act. “The panel repeatedly heard first-hand how military families...

Four Bases Receive Air Force Partnership Awards

Four Bases Receive Air Force Partnership Awards

The Air Force last week announced four installation recipients of recipients of the 2024 Air Force Community Partnership (AFCP) Awards. Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and the Environment Ravi Chaudhary recognized the installations...

Feds Expand Oversight of Foreign Land Purchases Near Bases

Feds Expand Oversight of Foreign Land Purchases Near Bases

The federal government published a final rule last week that will give the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) greater opportunities to review the purchase of land purchases near military installations, according to a Treasury...

PAST STORIES