Expanding Wi-Fi access for U.S. Navy bases

Contract extends Viasat service another five years to more than 100 bases

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Deployment can take a toll on military families, but studies show that regular communication during a service member’s deployment can keep those bonds strong.

According to findings from the RAND Deployment Life Study, more frequent communication translates to higher marital satisfaction when the service member returns home. In a similar study conducted through Blue Star Families’ annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey, the amount of time away from family remains the top issue for active-duty service members, veteran families, National Guard families and Reserve families.

For the past 11 years, Viasat has helped provide a critical digital bridge between enlisted Navy sailors and their families through the installation and management of base-wide internet and Wi-Fi networks — and the Viasat Voice Pro app.

Through a contract with the Navy Exchange Service Command’s Telecommunications Program (NEXCOM), Viasat brings Wi-Fi to the housing, lodging, dining and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities on bases across the U.S., as well as several offshore and international bases. Those include facilities in Romania, Bahrain, Guantanamo Bay, San Nicolas and San Clemente islands. Additionally, the contract extension includes network services for other installations, including Wounded Warrior and Fisher House facilities.

“Viasat is proud to serve our military members and their families with the connectivity solutions we offer, wherever they work, live, dine and play while on base,” said Robert Brown, Viasat’s Vice President of Business Development. “Our mission as a company is to provide these vital unofficial network services to those responsible for safeguarding our nation. And we continue to enhance the service to meet the ever-growing demand from mobile apps, streaming, gaming, e-sports activities and more.”

The Wi-Fi service available to sailors and community members that visit MWR, lodging, Wounded Warrior and Fisher house facilities is complimentary. Sailors living in Navy housing can purchase a Viasat goWiFi monthly Wi-Fi plan to use while on base and can continue to use the plan on any other Navy base to which they may be transferred.

“Our main focus is making sure they have the quality-of-life they deserve and expect,” Brown said. “In addition to keeping connected to family and friends, service members can stay connected to their local communities when they’re not at home. As an example, those stationed in Bahrain can see what’s going on stateside, keep up with current events and watch TV and movies – just have the normal life they may not otherwise be able to while living in different parts of the world.”

Enlisted sailors or others who would like more information about Viasat’s Navy service, visit goWiFi Navy to see the available plans at each base.