As a military spouse who runs two home based virtual businesses, while raising three children, it was extremely important to have Internet up and running as soon as we walked into our on-base house in Okinawa. Luckily, setting up Internet on-base in Okinawa is pretty dang simple thanks to MBC, the on-base Internet and HD Cable TV provider in Okinawa.

There were a few things I researched before we got to the island that I knew I wanted squared away: phones, Internet, groceries, and vehicles. Since we were doing the Port to Home program for our on-base home and we had an AMAZING sponsor, I knew that some of these things would be easier to do. Internet through MBC was one of easiest things.

After taking about a month off to PCS, I really needed to make sure I had Internet from the get-go to get back to my clients and my business as fast as possible. If you have kids, having Internet right away makes the transition so much smoother. You will want to have something the kids can do or watch as they deal with the time change and transition. As much as we limit screen time, sometimes you just need to pop on a show to take a breath after several long days of travel!

I also knew we needed Internet that was fast and reliable, that wouldn’t give out once when everyone was home connecting lots of devices at the same time. I also wanted the Internet set up fast so I could let me parents, siblings and friends know that we made it to Okinawa safe and sound, and so I could post my pictures on Instagram, of course.

We had already decided to stick with our US numbers and our current service plan of T-Mobile, so I needed an Internet solution that provided great WiFi coverage in our home so I could avoid data use on my phone. The MBC Whole Home WiFi solution is great!

Because MBC only provides services on-base and only supports the activity duty personnel in Okinawa, they really get what we need. MBC makes it insanely easy to get your Internet up and running before you even arrive to Okinawa.

How to Set Up Internet in Okinawa

Our sponsors, who happen to live off base, told us that MBC was the way to go for Internet on base. It is fast, reliable, and it was really simple to request service before we arrived. The on-line portal is so simple I did it from my phone in about 4 minutes!

The portal is on their website, MBCOkinawa.net. I selected my base, my house number, my Internet package, and the date I wanted service activated based upon my arrival. That’s it. That’s how easy it is to sign up. MBC has a great staff but if you don’t want to talk to anyone you don’t have to. You can access the portal 24/7/365 and MBC follows up by email.

Because all homes on all Installations in Okinawa are pre-wired and activated with MBC service, getting your Internet working in your home is even easier. MBC provides the modem you will use, nothing for you to buy or bring. You complete a SIMPLE, FAST & FREE self-installation.

There are several ways you can get your MBC equipment:
1. You can pick up your modem at any MBC on-base office (Kadena Air Base, Camp Foster or Camp Hansen). This is the most common and most popular method.

2. You can designate your Sponsor to pick up the modem for you. This is awesome to do before you arrive.

3. If you want, MBC will deliver they equipment to your home. It is super easy to schedule when you establish your account.

4. If you need help, MBC also offers home installation. Most people don’t do this because it is SO easy to activate your service but if you want help, they are ready to help.

For us, our AWESOME sponsor picked up our modem and dropped it in our house along with our lending locker items and bedding for our government furniture.

When I walked into the house, I plugged the modem into the wall, got on my phone to set up the private and secure WiFi username and password and that was it. I was done. It took maybe 5 minutes from the time I plugged the modem into the outlet to being connected to the Internet.

Internet Options for Unaccompanied and UDP

For service members who come to Okinawa on unaccompanied orders, getting MBC service is even easier. MBC has pre-installed cable modems in every unaccompanied room (dorms and barracks) across all Installations in Okinawa. Activating service for an unaccompanied service member is as easy as requesting service through the MBC portal. MBC receives your request, activates the modem and sends you an email so you can establish your private and secure WiFi connection in your room.

Having reliable Internet is a must when coming to Okinawa. We all rely on the Internet to keep us connected to family and friends back home through FaceTime and social media. We all love to stream and watch our favorite shows. Some of us are gamers that want to play during our downtime. As much as Internet is a commodity, it’s also a service-based business and we have found that MBC provides amazing on-base Internet SERVICE in Okinawa.