Commissaries start roll out of in-store Wi-Fi

By Kevin L. Robinson, DeCA Public AffairsApril 2, 2015

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FORT LEE, Va. -- Wi-Fi access for commissary patrons is coming to stateside stores, including Ord Community Commissary.

Through the Commissary Patron Internet Mobile System, the Defense Commissary Agency will gradually open customer Wi-Fi access initially at all stateside commissaries to include Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

So far, patron Wi-Fi has been deployed to some stores in Virginia.

"Many of our patrons come to the commissary with their smart phones and tablets. Store Wi-Fi will help them maximize their commissary benefit," said Duane Woodfin, an information technology specialist and wireless expert. "There's a lot of valuable shopping information on www.commissaries.com.

Through www.commissaries.com, customers can find digital coupons for the Commissary Rewards Card, the sales flyer, the savings aisle for access to promotional prices and more.

Here are some things to know about access to a commissary's Wi-Fi connection:

-Anyone can access the store's Wi-Fi from the sales floor area.

-Users must accept the Defense Commissary Agency's "terms of service" agreement.

-Some websites are blocked.

-Patrons with questions about access should contact the store's customer service representative.

DeCA is rolling out CPIMS in two phases. The first involves commissaries with existing network infrastructure, including Ord Community Commissary, to support patron wireless traffic.

The second will coincide with the agency's technical refresh of commissaries that don't have the system requirements to support patron Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi deployment schedule has not yet been finalized for these stores, but DeCA will announce it as soon as possible.

Woodfin said no decision has been made yet regarding DeCA's expansion of CPIMS to overseas stores.

DeCA will announce the Wi-Fi deployment for stores needing a technical refresh when that schedule is finalized.

May 4 -- Fort Hunter Liggett, Naval Air Station Lemoore and Moffett Field

May 5 -- Travis Air Force Base, McClellan and Beale Air Force Base

May 6 -- Ord Military Community, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport and Edwards Air Force Base.

For a complete list, visit www.commissaries.com.

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