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The Army has launched a pilot program for free Wi-Fi in barracks at Fort Riley, Kansas, exceeding expectations with 807 sign-ups in less than a month. This program responds to a congressional mandate from the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act to provide broadband access for junior enlisted troops in unaccompanied housing.

The Navy reports free Wi-Fi in 88% of its unaccompanied housing and aims to cover nearly all barracks by 2027. The Air Force plans to offer Wi-Fi in 20% of its bases by September 2026, with full coverage by fiscal year 2028. The Army's next pilot program will be at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, in spring 2026, with a broader rollout anticipated by 2027.