Why is there a lack of internet options at many installations?

SSG Brian L. — Mon, 31 May 2021 20:19:28 -0400

Has anyone wondered about limited internet options at many Military Installations? Ive lived on five different bases and it seems that at least half if not most only have one choice or possibility for internet providers if you live on base. Is this some sweetheart deal that someone in the DOD makes? Seems like its highly questionable and unfair to the service members living on that base. Monopolies are not good for the consumers. Any insight would be great because its bugged me for years.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made May 31 at 2021 8:25 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Mon, 31 May 2021 20:25:50 -0400

Broadband monopoly exists both in military and civilian world. While on-post service may be lackluster, off-post may also be stuck with one mediocre provider too

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/03/why-you-cant-sue-your-broadband-monopoly

Why You Can’t Sue Your Broadband Monopoly

The relationship between the federal judiciary and the executive agencies is a complex one. While Congress makes the laws, they can grant the agencies rulemaking authority to interpret the law. So long as the agency’s interpretation of any ambiguous language in the statute is reasonable, the courts will defer to the judgment of the agency.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2021 8:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 May 2021 20:30:53 -0400

Pretty much. Service providers get a contract with the base to be the sole provider in most cases. I remember back in the 90s Sprint was the sole phone provider for Fort Lewis. They werw terrible and they would frequently mix up charges to different lines, sometimes for hundreds of dollars. There were times we would return from a month in the field to find charges for long distance calls that couldn't have possibly been made. You couldn't dispute it, you had to pay for it, and you couldn't clear until you did.