Marines unveiling wireless Internet access on Okinawa

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By Fred Zimmerman, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Thursday, February 2, 2006

— Fred Zimmerman

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — For those who like to surf the Web, chat with friends, or send lengthy e-mails, your high-speed dreams are about to come true.

Marine Corps Community Services on Okinawa is set to unveil new complimentary wireless Internet capabilities at more than a dozen facilities Friday, according to Jeff Hazelbaker, MCCS chief information officer.

Anyone who visits one of the equipped buildings will be able to surf the Web, provided their laptop has the capability.

“About 90 percent of every laptop made today has Wi-Fi built in,” Hazelbaker said.

The project is broken down into three phases, Hazelbaker said. The first, allowing e-mail access at base library Internet stations, has been completed.

The second phase, he said, is Friday’s opening of the new locations, with a second step of opening another 18 sites by March 3.

The last phase will see the closing of cybercafes on Camps Schwab and Hansen and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Hazelbaker said those computers will be used to make Internet kiosks by March 31 at 42 locations, allowing people without laptops to access the Internet.

Cybercafes on Camps Foster and Courtney will remain open, he said.

“The cybercafes were used, but they were fee-for-service,” Hazelbaker said. “This is what MCCS is here for … to give back to the troops.”

The project came about when base and MCCS officials discussed the idea of better e-mail access for troops. Once he had the green light, Hazelbaker said, he had a plan together in a week.

Gaining access to the network is simple, Hazelbaker said. If a laptop is equipped, it will recognize the connection as soon as it’s turned on.

For those who don’t have Wi-Fi-equipped laptops, wireless connections are readily available at an affordable price, he added. MCCS also has put instructions on how to use the service, as well as locations, on its Web page at www.mccsokinawa.com.

Several sailors stationed on Okinawa said they welcome the service.

Seaman Daevita Dumas, who works at the Bush Dental Clinic on Camp Courtney, said she doesn’t like to use places like the cybercafes and pay for Internet use.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said. “It’s nice that you can go in, sit down and use [the Internet] in a more comfortable environment.”

Fellow Seaman Kenneth Allen, who works at the Evan Dental Clinic on Camp Foster, said it will be convenient for his job because he does a lot of work online. He said there are many people in his section, but only two computers to use.

“It will be great to go grab lunch and do some work on your own computer,” he said.

While laptop users can surf the Web as long as they want, Hazelbaker said they’re patrons are being asked to honor a 10-minute time limit on the kiosks.

He also added that content will be filtered — no adult material may be viewed — and they plan to program kiosks to restart periodically to safeguard private information that accidentally might be left open.

“We’re looking forward to this,” Hazelbaker said. “This is the fun part of our job — to get out and work with the troops and watch people enjoy what we’re providing.”

Locations to be Wi-Fi capable starting Friday:

Camp Foster: Globe & Anchor, The Spot, Chesty’s SNCO Club, Butler Bowling alley

MCAS Futenma: Bowling Center

Camp Kinser: Kinser Surfside club, Bowling Center, Cyber Cafe

Camp Courtney: Staff NCO Club, Bowling Center, Cyber Cafe

Camp Hansen: The Palms club, Bowling Center

Camp Schwab: BeachHead club, Bowling Center