DISH has announced its support for provisions in the National Defence Authorisation Act for fiscal year 2024 (FY24 NDAA) that will promote wireless innovation.
The new FY24 NDAA language will require the U.S. Department of Defence (DOD) to develop a strategy for deploying private wireless networks based on O-RAN architecture to military installations. The FY24 NDAA will also authorise US $179,278,000 for research, development, test and evaluation for ‘Next Generation Information Communications Technology (5G),’ which will help support wireless work across DOD.
“This is a positive development for our national security and the future of wireless technology,” said Jeff Blum, an executive vice president of external and legislative affairs at DISH. “We look forward to working with the Department of Defence to help implement these provisions and bring the security and interoperability of O-RAN networks to our military service members across the globe.”
DISH has been one of the leaders in O-RAN, working with DOD to establish a 5G private wireless O-RAN network at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island in Washington State.
In collaboration with Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar company, the network incorporates DISH’s spectrum holdings with Hughes’ satellite internet connection and network security management capabilities to provide a fast, secure and reliable 5G private network and edge cloud. The deployment supports flight line operations and aircraft maintenance, designed to improve operational efficiency, performance and safety on base.
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