Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director for FutureG at the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering at the Department of Defense, expressed that his organization is “incredibly excited” about how communication technologies are developing, focusing beyond 5G to what comes next with 6G technology. Rondeau highlighted its potential to protect the national interest and help defend the nation because it enables a shift to national defense due to its “software defined architecture.” This flexibility not only enables iterative upgrades to the network but also helps the DOD manage costs effectively. The DOD is committed to expanding upon the foundations of 5G to create a robust and adaptable communication infrastructure.

Bryan Schromsky, Associate Director of 5G Public Sector Architect Team at Verizon noted the ongoing expansion of 5G networks at military bases. He emphasized the importance of building out these networks not only for public usage but also for tactical military purposes, highlighting the deployment of 5G coverage both within and beyond military installations. As he noted, “these military bases are like small cities,” requiring robust and expansive coverage. Schromsky further emphasized that with the successful deployment of 5G technologies, attention now turns to investments in 6G, ensuring that the momentum in communications technology continues to grow.

Juan Ramirez, Director of 5G Cross Functional Team at the Office of the CIO at the Department of Defense, provided an overview of the DOD’s journey with 5G, beginning with the initial research and development led by Rondeau’s group that was started in 2020. The DOD’s Office of the CIO took responsibility for 5G this year and has been focusing on operationalizing 5G across military installations through three main projects:

Enhancing basic connectivity, to ensure seamless phone and Internet service on base.
Expand 5G infrastructure to explore specific applications such as “smart warehouses, defining and actually building out a smart city.”
Exploring tactical applications of 5G in technical bubbles and supporting the deployment of drones into combat and other scenarios.

Ramirez emphasized the DOD’s commitment to deploying 5G globally, stating by the end of 2028, the department is “committed to building that 5G infrastructure on all military installations,” ensuring that the technology is available both domestically and internationally.

Nokia Federal’s Steve Vogelsang, Chief Technology Officer at Nokia Federal Solutions, reaffirmed this commitment by emphasizing Nokia’s role in adapting their globally deployed 5G technology to meet the DOD’s needs. He noted that while the DOD’s requirements differ from commercial installations – requiring solutions that are “easier to use,” “simpler,” and “more compact” – Nokia has taken advantage of its existing technology base, developed through investments and innovations, to create tailored solutions. These solutions help the DOD achieve its goals in all three lines of effort, from improving base infrastructure to enabling warfighters to use tactical applications.

Retired Capt. Bryan Lopez, Director of Emerging Technologies at the Department of the Navy Information Officer, also shared insights on how the Department of Navy is actively involved in 5G initiatives, expanding on the larger themes Rondeau, Schromsky, and Ramierz had shared. He said that the Navy and Marine Corps are working closely with Ramierz’s team on various projects, initially supporting Rondeau’s research and development efforts. With an overall focus on growing 5G infrastructure across the enterprise, these include man-portable 5G networks for expeditionary operations, 5G smart warehouses for logistics, and aircraft readiness. Notably, a 5G pilot on board the USS Lincoln, connected to via satellite, enabled high-bandwidth activities like watching sporting events at sea. The Navy is also making strides in advanced 5G technologies like network slicing, dynamic spectrum sharing, and open radio access network (ORAN).

Similarly, Chris Christou, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Office at Booz Allen Hamilton, highlighted Booz Allen’s part in working with the DOD to experiment with and deploy 5G technology. He explained that his team has been focusing on adapting 5G for special defense environments, such as shipboard and pier side installations, which aligns with the Navy’s broader infrastructure goals. Furthermore, Booz Allen’s emphasis on cybersecurity, specifically in securing ORAN, compliments the DOD’s efforts to adopt innovative 5G technologies. Together, these efforts are ensuring that 5G deployments meet the DOD’s operational needs while also being innovative and secure.

Key Contributions from Verizon, Nokia Federal, and Booz Allen Hamilton

The DOD is advancing communication technologies with a focus on transitioning from 5G to 6G. Rondeau highlighted that 6G’s “software-defined architecture” will improve national defense through iterative upgrades, cost management, and robust protection of interests. Building a flexible and adaptive infrastructure for sophisticated operations is part of the DOD’s vision. Ramirez listed three main 5G projects currently underway: improving base connectivity, expanding infrastructure for smart applications, and integrating 5G into tactical scenarios. By 2028, the DOD aims to have 5G deployed globally across all military installations to strengthen communication capabilities both domestically and internationally.

In support of the DOD’s objectives, Schromsky discussed Verizon’s pivotal role in expanding 5G networks throughout the majority of military installations in the continental United States. He also mentions the importance of fixed wireless access, calling it “one of the darlings we see with 5G,” due to its cost efficiency and rapid deployment benefits for infrastructure monitoring. He also highlighted Verizon’s role in the Navy Spiral 4 contract, which offers 5G plans and devices for DOD procurement.

Looking ahead, Schromsky also discusses Verizon’s plans, highlighting their emphasis on 6G and the development of new technologies, including “network slicing” to unlock additional capabilities. Vogelsang emphasized how Nokia is dedicated to customizing its 5G technology for the DOD and is focusing on solutions that are user friendly. Booz Allen Hamilton achieved this by securing 5G networks, developing and integrating 5G-enabled applications and devices, and driving towards new 6G-based innovations. These efforts, along with Verizon’s development of 6G and 5G expansion, are in line with the DOD’s vision for a versatile and secure communication infrastructure. This collaborative approach guarantees that both immediate and future defense needs are effectively addressed.

The Future of 5G

Overall, the panelists emphasized that the future of 5G is already in the works. The next generation of this innovative technology will include the advancement to 6G and the integration of AI, which will enable the DOD to secure the national interest against advanced threats whether from land, sea, air, or space. With Nokia Federal, Verizon and Booz Allen continuing to invest in technological development the DOD can be assured that their unique communications needs, both at home and in theater, will not only be met but exceeded.

To learn more about 5G and its innovative advancements, listen to the full webinar here.