Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reasons members of the armed forces stationed in the Falkland Islands do not receive free wifi; and if he will make it his policy to ensure that all UK bases overseas offer access to a free wifi connection.

It is not the case that Armed Forces personnel in the Falkland Islands do not receive free wifi. Cards providing 100 minutes of wifi internet access are issued at no cost to Armed Forces personnel. The number of cards received is dependent on tour length as follows:

up to nine months tour - one card a week

nine to 12 months tour - two cards a week

12 months plus unaccompanied - four cards a week

In addition to the cards, an internet cafe is available where personnel can access up to 45 minutes of Skype and internet browsing time per day.

Location, capability and security can provide challenges in the provision of the internet to Armed Forces Personnel based overseas.