DISH Wireless is working alongside Lockheed Martin and Intel to build a 5G network for US Marines at Camp Pendleton. This should be no surprise for anyone following DISH’s 5G endeavors because DISH has previously noted that its interested in selling 5G products to consumers, government agencies, and businesses alike. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin has been working to bring 5G to the military since 2020. This recent development is one of many actions taken by the US military to utilize 5G technologies.
Related: 5 Ways the Military Could Use 5G
A DISH Network representative stated, “We are pleased to be one of the partners,” the representative continued, “The DoD [Department of Defense] has identified leadership in 5G as critical to strengthening our nation’s warfighting capabilities as well as improving US economic competitiveness.”
“Dish will be providing spectrum as well as engineering services in the areas of RF design, open RAN-based wireless networks, and the 5G device ecosystem for the project,” they continued. “We believe 5G SA [standalone] open RAN private networks will enable the DoD to achieve the balance of control, security, and flexibility that they’re looking for. This is an area Dish will continue to pursue, and we expect to be involved in additional such projects in the future.”
The news broke as Lockheed Martin issued a statement last week stating that the company would work with DISH, Intel, Radisys, and Rampart Communications on a 5G testbed for the US Marine base near San Diego valued at $19.3 million. We’re unsure of the specifics, but it would explore several different 5G case uses for the military.
DISH has previously offered to help the US military develop 5G networks using 5G spectrum owned by the Department of Defense (DoD). DISH has until June 2019 to meet a deadline of covering at least 20% of the US population with 5G or face a multi-billion fine. Though DISH has remained mum for quite some time on its progress, those who signed up for its “Project Gene5is” website recently received an email stating, “We will begin inviting our first members to experience the new network.” Las Vegas, Nevada, is DISH’s first city on its list, with more to come later this year.
Related: Here’s What We Know About Project Gene5is
The DoD is working to integrate 5G into its operations, awarding over $600 million to several companies, including AT&T and Verizon, for “5G experimentation” at five military test sites.
The 5G network Lockheed Martin is looking to build at Camp Pendleton just scored more money in a second round of funding from the DoD for 5G testing. The initiative falls under its “5G.MIL” effort, which according to Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet, is meant to “bring together an array of high-tech platforms into one cohesive network that spans every domain for unmatched situational awareness powered with 5G technology.”
Source: Light Reading
