How To Stay Connected While Deployed: Internet Tips for Active Military Members

Staying connected while deployed is a common challenge for active members of the military, affecting both operational effectiveness and personal well-being. Thankfully, more routine access to Internet service can be a lifeline — provided it’s used in ways that prioritize security.

If you’re an active-duty military member (or in a family with one), here are some resources to help you stay in touch during deployments, while also having access to secure files and keeping your connected home well-managed and secure. From why you need to use VPNs and secure messaging to cloud syncing and how to access U.S. content abroad, SmartMove is here to support the digital continuity and remote Internet access of military families, no matter where you are in the world.

Core Connectivity Challenges During Deployment

Let’s face it: Internet-related challenges for service members stationed overseas or in unfamiliar regions are just different from the Internet-related challenges faced by civilians. But with the right tools and preparations, military Internet customers can stay connected, informed, and entertained.

Limited or Unreliable Local Networks

Internet quality can vary significantly between installation types and across countries, including the United States.

Some military bases do offer Internet service, but it might come with slower speeds, strict filtering, or higher costs for better performance. If you’re depending on WiFi in shared spaces or using networks provided on base, you might notice that streaming, gaming, or even video chatting with folks back home feels frustratingly slow or inconsistent.

Off base, commercial WiFi might be available at cafes or hotels, but these connections can be spotty, unsecured, or hard to access if there’s a language barrier or paywall involved.

Data Security and OPSEC Risks

While it can be tempting for members of the military community to seek out free and public hotspots or shared workstations to solve connectivity issues, these choices come with significant data security and operations security (OPSEC) risks. Not only is there potential for data collection by foreign governments, but run-of-the-mill hackers also frequently access unsecured WiFi and broadband, which could lead to identity theft or financial losses.

The safest move is to use a VPN when possible, especially on public or unfamiliar WiFi. A VPN helps encrypt your traffic, adding a layer of protection to everything from emails to video chats. It's also a good habit to avoid logging into highly sensitive accounts or sharing too much when using networks you don’t control.

Maintaining Access to U.S. Services

One struggle that deployed U.S. military members experience is geographically restricted content (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, or some financial platforms). Depending on where someone is deployed, this may mean that a site is not accessible without account safeguards or workarounds that come with security risks. Not to mention, some workarounds aren’t legal.

While a VPN that shows you’re accessing a site from the U.S. can help with access to certain sites (and VPNs aren’t often illegal, although they do go against some sites’ terms of service which could lead to an account suspension), when it comes to accessing financial sites to bank or do other financial activities, it’s best to reach out to the financial institution in question to see what protocols for accessing the site while abroad that they recommend.

Essential Tools to Stay Connected and Secure

Now that we’ve covered some of the challenges faced by U.S. service members deployed far from home, here are some practical tools and technologies that can help them maintain both strong connections and robust cybersecurity, especially when accessing the Internet outside of standard U.S. networks.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Setup

One of the easiest things you can do to ensure Internet security before deployment is to install a VPN on any cell phone (including Apple’s iPhone or Google’s Android) or laptop that will be used to access the Internet. VPNs encrypt Internet activity, especially when using local or unsecured WiFi networks.

While there are certainly reputable and free VPNs, choosing to pay for a VPN comes with substantial benefits, including:

• Faster download and upload speeds.
• No ads.
• Your data isn’t sold to third parties, like with some free VPN options.
• Strong infrastructure and encryption.

Solid choices for VPNs include ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, but there are many others.

Cloud Sync Services

One way to help improve your Internet experience as an active military member is to make use of cloud backup tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. These tools help maintain data continuity across multiple locations, even on temporary devices.

The best part is that you don’t have to be a tech nerd to use them well. You can simply rely on the recommended default sync settings for commonly used folders, notes, and documents.

Secure Messaging and Video Calling Platforms

It isn’t just the Internet that deployed service members use to connect with loved ones far away. Messaging apps are also important, but they need to be secure.

Whether you have a family wireless plan or you choose to use a WiFi signal to access them on your phone, encrypted messaging apps like Signal (a nonprofit privacy company) and WhatsApp (owned by Meta) should be used as opposed to a cell phone’s standard messaging app.

For encrypted calling, tools like FaceTime and Jitsi can help ensure more secure contact with family and colleagues. The key is to be cautious. Many messaging and video apps aren’t secure, despite their popularity.

Accessing U.S. Content from Abroad

Even with a solid mobile plan or Internet plan, it can still be difficult for a deployed service member to access U.S. content while in another country. While you already need a VPN for security reasons, a VPN can also allow access to U.S.-based content and services during deployment.

From streaming services and financial sites to messaging platforms and cloud-based home management tools, a VPN is a deployed military member’s best friend.

Staying Connected with Family While Deployed

Of course, having access to all the right tech and devices to stay connected isn’t the whole story. Here are some personal communication strategies, as well as financial advice, to help deployed personnel maintain strong and reassuring ties with their loved ones at home.

Finding Affordable Home Internet

One obstacle to staying connected to family members while deployed is the cost of home Internet. While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) no longer offers the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for the families of deployed service members to save on their monthly Internet bill, there is still the Lifeline Program that offers discounts to active duty military members and low-income U.S. residents who are eligible according to federal poverty guidelines.

There are also Internet service providers, such as Xfinity, Comcast, or Cox, that offer discounts related to a household’s members’ military status. However, military service members and retired military members don’t always live in locations where these ISPs are available. Always check with your provider to see if they offer military discounts to low-income households and veterans.

If your household’s options for Internet are limited due to location, some bundled Internet and mobile phone plans can be made a lot less expensive with paperless billing, auto pay, and other provisions that add up to a meaningful monthly discount. So be sure to ask your Internet service provider about any Internet discount options and the eligibility requirements to qualify.

Establish a Routine for Regular Communication

Time zones, busy schedules, and unpredictable workdays can make it hard to connect spontaneously. That’s why creating a routine for calling or messaging can go a long way, especially for families with young children or caregivers who rely on regular updates.

Set a specific day or time each week for check-ins, video calls, or even just sending a quick “thinking of you” message or photo. These small, predictable moments can help reduce anxiety at home and allow everyone to feel more grounded.

It’s also a great way to give kids and spouses something to look forward to during the week.

Leave Digital Access Behind

Another way to reduce the stress of deployment and assist in staying connected is for deployed military members to grant a trusted family member or partner access to all key online accounts. Tools like password managers such as LastPass or 1Password can securely store and share credentials, so your info stays protected even while you're away.

That way, household responsibilities like bills, banking, or scheduled services can continue uninterrupted.

Use Multi-Device Cloud Setup

Phones break, devices get lost, and sometimes you just need to switch to something different. That’s where syncing across devices becomes important.

When you set up messages, notes, and files to sync across multiple logins and platforms, you’re ensuring the family back home and the family member abroad won’t lose access to files, photos, and the like if one device fails or becomes unavailable during the deployment period.

Choosing Internet Providers Based on International Flexibility

One key to having reliable Internet and phone service during deployment is to choose providers based on their international flexibility. Without a doubt, provider choice — both before and during deployment — can make a major difference in connectivity, service setup, and ongoing family support.

Providers Offering Strong Mobile Options, Nationwide Support

Some U.S.-based carriers offer international data roaming plans or discounts for military members. To save money and ensure you have good connectivity, limit your options to providers that offer perks like military discounts, international add-ons, or deployment-friendly terms.

Seek Providers That Offer Reliable Support for Spouses at Home

Look for Internet service providers that offer 24/7 customer support, helpful online tools, and efficient service recovery. Some even offer military-specific customer service options. That way, if your family runs into an issue with their home connection, they have the tools and help needed to get things sorted fast, with no added stress for you.

How SmartMove Helps Military Families Stay Connected

For military personnel looking to save and stay connected, SmartMove can help. Whether you’re transferring service to a new duty station, setting up high-speed Internet before a deployment, or looking for flexible mobile connectivity while abroad, our tools can help ensure you get the best Internet and phone provider for your needs, plus the plan you want (e.g., an unlimited plan with no data caps) at the price that works for you.

Transfer Your Service Before Deployment

Turn to SmartMove to coordinate any Internet transfers ahead of time to minimize disruptions at home during deployment. Many ISPs offer military-specific transfer policies or waived fees for anyone with a military ID.

Use our tool to find out what military member-centered Internet options are available, then inquire about specific policies available for U.S. military service members.

Use SmartMove to Explore Mobile Data and Hotspot Compatibility

SmartMove can also help you find the right cellular and hotspot packages for use in remote or international locations. Especially for families who need data access on the go or in temporary housing, these options can be crucial. Bundling phones (and even cable) with Internet can also cut costs and increase options.

Secure, Reliable ISP Recommendations

Above all, it’s important that members of the military use secure and reliable ISPs. SmartMove only partners with trusted, vetted ISPs.

Our partner providers offer security features, flexible plans, and reliability that active-duty families can count on both at home and abroad.

Get Connected with SmartMove

Deploying soon? Start your affordable and secure Internet search with SmartMove. We have tools to help you discover how much Internet your household needs, plus other great resources for military families.