On October 16, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) signed its strategy for the deployment of private 5G networks at military installations. This strategy is regarded by analysts as a key enabler to the DoD’s modernization effort to leverage 5G networks, both commercial and private, to deliver ubiquitous, high-speed connectivity for mobile capabilities.
In addition, Fulcrum: The Department of Defense Information Technology Advancement Strategy, released in June 2024, calls for the implementation of 5G across DoD installations and operating forces. The DoD Private 5G Deployment Strategy provides guidance for the implementation and operation of private 5G networks at military installations while maximizing Open RAN ecosystems to the extent possible.
The deployment of 5G infrastructure will allow installations to leverage commercial mobile broadband for quality of life and routine mission needs, benefitting military and civilian populations at DoD installations. This infrastructure will also allow the warfighter to ingest and transfer massive amounts of data – a capability that will be critical for the U.S. to retain information and decision advantage, according to DoD.
“The Department anticipates that military installations will primarily employ commercial networks; however, we recognize that, under certain circumstances, commercial 5G may not fulfill DoD’s requirements.” the DoD said in a statement. “Private networks may augment or supplement commercial services because they are tailored to each installation’s mission needs, security, and military-unique capabilities.”
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