While civilians are creating “smart cities,” the military is busy constructing “smart bases” to keep their populations connected. As Computer Weekly reports, the British Army has enlisted the former British Telecom, now BT, to install a secure and reliable WiFi network on 162 separate sites. If the five year mission goes well, BT could also be called upon to muster up connectivity for the RAF and Royal Navy.
The MOD (Ministry of Defense) WiFi is expected to cover all buildings within its sphere, ranging from offices, to training grounds, to dining facilities to recreational venues. In addition to making it easier for the armed forces to speak with each other and their families, the smart bases will also have digital enhancements that manage surveillance and Building Entry Systems.
The smart technology contributes to energy efficiency as well by managing room occupancy and temperatures. A person moving with the smart base would likely be unaware of the high tech systems like facial recognition and digital sensors, but would certainly benefit from the seamless digital connectivity and personal comforts handled by the MOD WiFi.
Larkhill in south west England is the first base to go smart, with BT-enabled WiFi connectivity coming to other U.K. military bases in the near future.
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