RAF Mildenhall, England -- Fiber optic cables were installed in on-base NCO housing at RAF Mildenhall, England, providing residents the ability to obtain faster internet bandwidth speeds.
The installation was coordinated by the 100th Communications Squadron and 48th Civil Engineer Squadron housing office and executed by an outside company in August.
“A few years ago, we were reached out to by a telecommunications company to upgrade the copper network,” said James Johnston, 48th CES housing office housing management specialist. “What they’ve now installed is a fiber-optic network, which allows for higher download speeds.”
The quality-of-life initiative was funded by a $127 thousand U.K. government grant aimed at improving access to high speed internet in rural areas of the country.
“The U.K. government propositioned companies to install a certain amount of fiber optic cables in locations across the U.K.,” said Johnston. “Companies then received money to fulfill this.”
The fiber optic cables were installed in approximately 60 houses, according to Tech. Sgt. Brandon Azevedo, 100th CS project manager.
“The importance of reliable internet was highlighted during COVID-19 with many people teleworking from home or trying to home school their children,” said Brian Rayner, 100th CS plans and resources flight director. “For some people, their WiFi broadband signal wasn’t strong enough.”
Residents can upgrade their internet plan with their service provider to take advantage of the faster bandwidth speeds, which are scheduled to become available to additional base housing.
“The commanders’ housing has not been addressed yet, but it’s next on the list to get taken care of,” said Rayner.