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The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act became law at the end of 2023. Among its various mandates is for the Department of Defense to build out private 5G networks at military bases and outposts. There are roughly 800 of these bases around the world, which represent a clear opportunity for carriers to provide service.
Over the past few months, Ericsson and Nokia have Launched a new business division Government-focused companies Ericsson Federal Technologies Group and Nokia Federal Solutions have shifted their focus to the public sector, some see as a result of a slump in the mobile carrier market.
“As the Department of Defense seeks to connect under one secure, unified communications system, I believe 5G is the solution to keep America safe and competitive,” he said. Christopher RingThe Booz Allen Hamilton veteran heads Erickson’s federal group.
The Potomac Officers Club event will feature speakers including prominent Department of Defense public affairs officials. 2024 5G ForumWe’ll discuss issues such as operationalizing 5G and RF spectrum needs for Department of Defense missions. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at the Falls Church, Virginia Marriott Fairview Park. Join us for this action-packed morning. Networking, Partnerships and Discussions at GovCon.
Each of the 800 military installations that need 5G connectivity could have at least a few 5G transmission sites, Omdia analyst Joe Hoffman told Light Reading. So the Pentagon could potentially contract for thousands of cell sites. This is part of a wave of 5G spending for the Pentagon, which is at least investing in 5G. $650 million to be invested in communications research and development since 2020The main focus is on 5G.
Beyond the implementation mandates under the NDAA, 5G will be valuable to the Department of Defense in its Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) effort, which aims to build a communications fabric to transmit information to warfighters in the most remote locations. 5G will play a vital role in this plan, which spans all parts of the Department of Defense.
Additionally, it is a key element of the Spectrum Access System, helping to ensure that government agencies, service departments and fixed satellite stations have priority use of the radio spectrum. SAS is built to avoid radio and communications disruptions.
Companies like Ericsson and Nokia will have to compete to win 5G DoD business with Lockheed Martin, a major defense contractor that is also pursuing new 5G capabilities. For exclusive insights on how to compete in a hotly contested 5G market, read: Register now Potomac Officers Club 2024 5G ForumIt will be held this Wednesday, May 22nd!
