All Marines, most sailors now have free Wi-Fi in barracks

All Marines and nearly all sailors now have access to free wireless internet in their barracks rooms, while the Army and Air Force continue to take steps toward meeting the military-wide mandate from Congress.

“Reliable, high-speed connectivity is no longer simply a convenience; it is an essential part of modern life, enabling Marines to stay connected with family and friends, access educational and professional resources, manage personal affairs and enjoy digital services and entertainment,” Ed Cutshall, CEO and director of Marine Corps Community Services Business and Support Division, said in a statement.

Service became free for up to 80,000 Marines living in eligible permanent-party, Unit Deployment Program and training barracks in the U.S. and Japan. They will receive no-cost, filtered Wi-Fi service through Boingo Wireless, the service said.

Marines may opt to pay for unfiltered access at varying speeds.

The fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, an annual law that lays out Pentagon priorities, mandated the military begin offering free internet access in unaccompanied housing for junior enlisted troops.

Sailors at 90% of Navy installations worldwide now have free Wi-Fi access in their housing, the service said Thursday. That includes 865 of 962 total buildings since the rollout was launched in November 2025.

The remaining 10% should be online by the end of fiscal year 2027 and include isolated regions, such as Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti and Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, the Navy said.

“Reliable connectivity is an important part of sustaining the force and ensuring sailors have the support they need to remain ready and resilient,” said Vice Adm. Scott Gray, deputy chief of naval operations for the office of Navy Sustainment.

The Army said Thursday it is committed to getting free Wi-Fi to all soldiers, but for now it is only available at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and Fort Riley, Kan., where the service conducted pilot programs.

“Based on those results, the Army is taking a phased approach to responsibly expand coverage over time,” said Lt. Col. Orlandon Howard, Army spokesman.

Expansion will happen in fiscal year 2028 to balance resources with service priorities, he said.

The Air Force said in February it planned to get internet service to dorms at about 20% of its bases by September. It then aimed to get 25% coverage in fiscal year 2027 and the remaining bases the following year.

The Air Force did not respond Friday to a request for an update on that plan.