BT Wifi Brings Fibre Fuelled Wireless Internet to RAF Northolt

Around 2,000 military and civilian personnel at RAF Northolt in London can now get online via a new WiFi Hotspot based wireless Internet access service after BT completed the installation of the new “high-speed” network via 480 access points today.

The new network, which claims to be supported by “fibre infrastructure“, is free for all business users at the facility and customers of BT’s own home broadband package. Meanwhile visitors will need to pick-up one of the operators pre-pay (from £4 for 1 hour) or monthly plans (from £6 per month).

Group Captain Andy Bacon, Station Commander, said:

“As we approach our centenary year here at RAF Northolt, we’re transforming the Station to support our 21st century needs. Our personnel are vital to our success and it’s critically important to me personally that we fully support them. Equally, RAF Northolt delivers a wide variety of military and cross-Government outputs. Clear communication channels are a key enabler for all that we do. Wi-fi for military, commercial and personal use is a step change and welcome way forward – we’ve saved money as well.”

BT has also installed a public address system which uses the same infrastructure, enabling RAF Northolt to quickly communicate operational announcements across the whole base when necessary.