It’s clear that federal government agencies should consider their role in advancing and using 5G technology, while addressing issues related to existing networks, cybersecurity, supply chain security, cloud integration, ethics and privacy, spectrum policy, rural connectivity and workforce implications.
This belief was recently highlighted in a study reporting that less than half of government agencies believe their current infrastructure can support 5G.
The study consisted of surveyed 200 federal government decision-makers involved with network and communications infrastructure. It indicated that federal agencies are at the beginning stages of 5G evaluation and deployment – and, quite frankly, need to step it up especially with standalone (SA) 5G and its many benefits right around the corner.
This study also concluded that the technologies and devices that 5G enables would continue to transform how the federal government works. That’s because 5G allows for faster downloading and connectivity for more devices, along with other telecommunications benefits.
Congress and the White House both recognize how important it is that the U.S. fully harness the power of 5G in meeting government missions. The need for effective and efficient COVID-19 response and recovery has only highlighted this.
The U.S. military – the most logistically complex organization in the world – is likely to emerge as a leading 5G adopter and innovator. In the fiscal 2020 defense spending bill, Congress prioritized 5G research and development by providing $275 million to the Department of Defense for next generation information communications technology, including 5G.
The DOD is currently demonstrating the benefits of 5G in government in several new projects, including at the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center San Diego, the concept of a “smart warehouse” is being tested. This project will leverage 5G to manage inventory and process orders with optimal efficiency and accuracy.
Of course, as the DOD contemplates the wide range of possible use cases for 5G technology, its spending needs to align these desired uses.
Additionally, experts insist that to allow the DOD and other federal agencies to realize 5G’s full potential, the government must address concerns about 5G and cyber risks.
One of the widely discussed risks associated with 5G is the problem of potentially compromised hardware being incorporated into our national telecommunications infrastructure.
Want to learn more. Tonex offers 5G For Federal Government Agencies training, a 2-day course where government agencies learn about 5G deployment, management, cybersecurity and tools to create secure and reliable 5G communications infrastructure.
Additionally, Tonex also offers 20 more cutting edge 5G courses with titles like:
5G for Sales and Tech Sales/Support Training (2 days)
5G Wi-Fi Offload Training (2 days)
5G and mmWave Antenna Engineering Training (3 days)
LTE Advanced Pro Training (3 days)
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.