The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a contract valued at nearly £3.7 million to Sure South Atlantic, a telecommunications provider based in Stanley, to deliver welfare Wi-Fi for MOD personnel stationed in the Falkland Islands.
The awarded service, named “Falkland Islands Welfare Wi-Fi,” aims to provide secure and accessible internet connectivity to MOD staff for personal use across the Mount Pleasant Complex and other satellite sites on the islands.
The contract, published on 28 October 2024, was allocated under the CPV code 72411000, specifically for internet service provision.
Sure South Atlantic’s services are expected to support MOD personnel by improving online accessibility, allowing them to maintain contact with family and friends while stationed remotely.
While the initial contract covers a substantial service period, it includes two optional one-year extensions, which are subject to potential price adjustments at the time of renewal. The provision is seen as part of a broader welfare initiative aimed at enhancing quality of life for deployed personnel, particularly in isolated locations.
Historical point – we had welfare wifi when I was down there Aug 1999 to Feb 2000. It was a cybercafe run by SSAFA. No idea who ‘plumbed’ it in.
Do you think it’s cost nearly £4 million. I’m starting to see why we spends £54 billion a year and have an black hole in the equipment budget 😀
Just buy a start link terminal for a few hundred quid.
I think £4M is pretty good for multiple years or decades of internet infrastructure installing and maintainance.
Totally agree. You can get around 200 devices on a normal starlink for around £100 per month. This is a disgusting waste of tax.
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Who cares?
Those deploying do.
It’s a morale boosting fing. Which is very important.
These are small things but have to done. Today’s military generation have higher expectations than mine. In my day all the battle and training camps were in a dire state of repair, so running water was a bonus. Hot water well that was you happy. The MOD have to realise that they have to compete with civilian employers in pay and conditions. I think they are getting there but still miles behind the curve. Hard to make comparisons. Try this one. A SNCO or Corporal with with ten years experience. Additional qualifications to call in and direct air support (FAC)… Read more »
I think someone in the private sector calling in air support, mortar and artillery would probably get arrested.
Given the British government owns OneWeb, I’m surprised they haven’t bothered to use it