5G: Powering the Government's Digital Transformation

5G technology has the capacity to speed data transfers and connect billions of devices at a time when mission success hinges on fast, secure access to data and people. 5G’s potential to enhance all government activities makes it an indispensable component of efforts to modernize IT systems and service delivery. Because of its low latency and capacity to carry vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently, 5G enables real-time access to information. As a result, it is facilitating the growth of smart cities, the use of artificial intelligence to improve government operations and the adoption of edge computing. The implications are profound for activities as varied as battlefield communications, military logistics and preparedness, and emergency response in situations where critical infrastructure is unavailable.

In addition, the technology gives administrators the opportunity to automate activities for better security and efficiency, and its speed, agility and scalability boost agencies’ ability to create new services quickly in response to users’ needs. In a related effort, NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence “is addressing the 5G security challenge by collaborating with industry to create practical solutions that can strengthen the security of a system’s architectural components, provide a secure cloudbased supporting infrastructure, and enable the security features provided by the current 5G standards.”

In addition to a government-wide approach to 5G, NTIA’s Toman said partnerships with industry are essential. “Although the Innovation Fund’s $1.5 billion is a lot of money, some large companies are spending tens of billions of dollars a year on research and development. So the question is: How can we align government and industry objectives and leverage all the resources in play to achieve the goal of open, interoperable and secure 5G networks?” Read the latest insights from industry thought leaders in 5G, including:

• Chris D. Thomas, technical strategist at Dell Technologies, explains why, with 5G, agencies can bring together all their digital transformation efforts into one powerful system.
• Paul Battaglia, vice president of public sector at Federated Wireless, discusses how the technology is revolutionizing areas as diverse as surveillance, supply chain management and battlefield surgery.
• Rishi Bhaskar, senior vice president and general manager at JMA Wireless, details software-based 5G systems will enable agencies to rapidly adapt to changing demands and truly modernize communication systems.
• Richie Obermayer, VP of technical sales at GuardSTACK Technologies., discusses how 5G's ability to speed data analysis and communication is improving situational awareness and mission outcomes across government.
• Derrick Frost, senior vice president of operations and general manager of private wireless at Kajeet, explains that private wireless and neutral host networks can help agencies capitalize on the speed and security of 5G.
• Derek Gallagher CTO at Druid Software, details how robust 5G networks combine best-in-class components to deliver flexibility, simplicity and low cost of ownership.

Read more insights from Carahsoft and our 5G partners when you download the full report: