They've done it: I have finally found a government service that needs to be privatized!

[jmowreader]

The Soldiers of our United States Army who are stationed at most of the forts in the continental US have access to WiFi service through the "Alternate Escapes Wireless Network." The troop gets him- or herself a WiFi-compatible computer, signs up and starts surfin' the web...for a rate I cannot believe: $3.50 for one hour, $9.50 for one day, $24.50 per week or $39.00 per month.

Truck drivers who use TA or Petro truck stops have access to the "Interstate SpeedZone" WiFi network. It costs $1.99 for one hour, $4.79 for one day, $19.99 per month or $149.99 per year. The other chain truck stops charge the same thing.

This isn't a case of the "free market" being able to outcompete the evil government because truck stops have NO qualms about sticking it to their customers every chance they get--try buying a tire or a gallon of motor oil at one of those places! This is a case of the Army screwing its customers harder than the private sector ever could, which the Morale Welfare Recreation offices and post exchanges are masters at. I wonder how popular this service is anyway--the troops have phone and cable service in the barracks, and you can get DSL or cable internet for twenty bucks a month in most of the country.

[Warpy]

1. You're right, the costs are exorbitant.

I can't see any excuse for it, either. Chances are it is privatized, though, and that's the going rate they gave the military.

[pinboy3niner]

2. Makes me wonder who is the private contractor behind it

Is the military doing this entirely on its own, or is the service contracted out? Do you have a link?

[sammytko]

3. its run by the MWR and all money goes back to MWR

Morale, Welfare and Recreation offices. Thirty-nine a month is not that bad

http://www.drummwr.com/Images/ARMP_WIFI.pdf

[kestrel91316]

4. $39/mo is quite reasonable

[jmowreader]

8. Doesn't look that way to me

Here are a few from the area I'm in:

Ptera Wireless: http://www.ptera.net/?q=residentialpricing
$24.95/month, 1.5mbps speed

At http://wireless.theispguide.com/urlfilter/city.spokane/serName.c/state.WA/findwireless.html there are three that charge $29.95/month and one that charges $21.95/month--two of them have no setup fee.

[LiberalFighter]

5. I agree. I think it is a good deal. Unless the connection is too slow.

[EdMaven]

6. This is $40 a month for internet, traveling wifi & some kind of gaming thing?

Doesn't sound so bad.

And considering that profits are plowed back to soldiers in the form of services, doesn't sound bad at all.

[Merlot]

7. $40 a month is standard price