Pentagon launches 5G race to upgrade base communications

WASHINGTON — The US Department of Defense is launching the latest multi-million dollar 5G race. We expect the move to shape the deployment of communications upgrades at military bases.

The 2023 5G Challenge: Advanced Interoperability was announced on February 2nd in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, less than a year after similar competitions.

Up to $7 million in cash or lab prizes for participants who prove they can accelerate adoption of secure networks, replaceable and compatible parts, and what the competition calls “true plug-and-play 5G interoperability.” are eligible to win prizes including time for

The application deadline is March 1st. The contest he plans to last for two years.

Fifth generation wireless technology promises exponentially faster speeds and the ability to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated devices. This has unexpected benefits for defense, logistics, business, healthcare and more.

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However, this technology also presents challenges. Additional vectors for digital intrusion, expensive infrastructure, and slow adoption. Amanda Toman, her lead at the Pentagon, has previously said that the sector is “too important to give up to countries whose products and technology are not up to our standards of privacy and security.” ” said.

“The department is committed to supporting innovation efforts that will accelerate the domestic development of 5G and future G technologies,” Toman said in an April statement. We will continue to support all efforts necessary to unlock the

The Department of Defense has secured approximately $338 million for 5G and microelectronics in FY2022. Starting October 1, he’s asked for another $250 million for the 2023 fiscal year.

Defense industry players are heeding the Pentagon’s call for 5G.

Northrop Grumman and AT&T announced in January that they had successfully relayed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data and video using 5G technology. This is an important step towards advanced networking on the battlefield. Lockheed Martin and Verizon announced in September that real-time data and other information captured by the drone swarm can be securely shared and analyzed over both private and public fifth-generation wireless networks. . Biersat also said in June that he would be experimenting with 5G as a means of connecting Marines and supporting what is known as Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.