YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE — Navy Lodges and bachelor quarters on naval bases at Sasebo and Yokosuka and Naval Air Facility Atsugi are all receiving a technology upgrade.
Commander Installations Command has awarded Americable the contract to install high-speed Internet and expand cable channels in CNFJ’s approximately 1,500 transient quarters, and high-speed Internet in all Navy Lodge rooms.
Servicemembers staying in bachelor quarters will now be able to watch any of 55 channels, including Showtime. Surfboard-style modems are being installed in every bachelor quarters and Navy Lodge room. Yokosuka and Sasebo have already received their upgrades and Atsugi’s are scheduled to be complete by the end of next week.
“It’s great to be able to provide this upgrade,” said Americable’s Regional Manager, James A. Smith II. “Internet has almost become a utility. People expect to have it when they check into a room.”
According to Atsugi’s Navy Lodge general manager, Ana Herrara-Ruiz, Internet access is a quality of life issue, especially to servicemembers living overseas.
“It allows our guests to pay bills, save money on phone calls and keep in touch with their families. All in all, it’s about providing the best customer service possible,” Herrara-Ruiz said.
USS Kitty Hawk’s Lt. Eric Hollis has been living at the Navy Lodge while he and his family wait for a townhouse to become available. For Hollis, the newly installed Net access has been “a 110 percent increase in quality of life.”
“Back in the States, every hotel has wireless,” Hollis said. “My room received the install yesterday, and it’s great. It’s much better than having to buy an Internet card.”
Americable also is exploring upgrading all of its services to digital in the near future. In preparation for the upgrade, Americable is requesting that users complete a six-question survey at: www.americablejapan.com.
