Category Archives: 5G

How to Navigate the Federal Mobility Group’s 5G Testing Framework

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5G technology promises to be a game-changer for federal agencies and how they operate and deliver services. Government agencies prepared to take full advantage of the increased bandwidth and edge computing that 5G brings will have a leg up in finding new and innovative ways to deliver on their mission.

This represents a rare opportunity for federal agencies to embrace digital transformation across their organizations. However, how to best accomplish this is still somewhat murky. The Federal Mobility Group (FMG), part of the General Services Administration, was created in 2019 to help agencies navigate this new technology.

What is the Federal Mobility Group and the 5G Testing Framework?

The Federal Chief Information Officer Council established the FMG as a federal community of practice, a group that brings public sector mobile technology experts together to address common mobility challenges. The FMG studies emerging technologies like 5G and establishes policies, guidance and best practices and serves as a single source of truth for the federal mobility community.

One of their primary deliverables has been the 5G testing framework, which guides agencies looking to test and implement 5G technologies. It establishes testing capabilities and lab and testbed assessment approaches. The framework includes:

  • End-to-end 5G testing architecture and mapping to 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G standards
  • A modular approach listing all possible testing elements needed for different use-cases
  • Two examples showing how to use the framework to understand the test elements and determine which are needed for a use-case
  • Performance and security metrics that can be collected on a 5G testbed

The framework is being used to guide initiatives like the Department of Defense (DoD) implementing 5G on bases and commands. And it will continue to help civilian agencies exploring the use of advanced technologies.

Carahsoft FMG 5G Testing Framework Blog Embedded Image 2021How is the Framework supposed to be used?

The framework includes five specific steps to create a viable testbed. This creates a modular approach that can be replicated and standardized across the federal government.

Step 1: Define use cases

Agencies should first define what the technology being researched will be used for. The working group that created the framework identified potential 5G use cases ranging from autonomous vehicles to devices that support multiple classification levels.

Step 2: Understand test elements and standards

The architecture being used should be clearly articulated. The framework identifies four primary elements of a 5G test environment:

  • User equipment such as drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.
  • Radio access networks like smart cells, macro towers, and similar networks
  • Mobile edge cloud
  • Core network infrastructure

Step 3: Determine which high-level test resources are needed

Have a full understanding of what is required to have a relevant test. This may include space to test in, network size, devices, traffic volume and more.

Step 4: Develop a test plan

The test plan should have relevance to the use case and include a clear objective, testing approach and metrics to be collected.

Step 5: Choose framework modules to conduct testing

The framework identifies four modules for testing.  Not all modules are required to be in the final plan but all should be considered. The modules are:

  • Architecture (5G versus LTE)
  • Spectrum (which to use)
  • Application traffic generation (live or emulated)
  • Network (type of network used)

What should the end result be?

In April 2021, FMG, along with collaborators, hosted a two-day workshop to show what the framework looks like in practice. In this case, the webinar focused on two specific use cases:  unmanned aircraft and smart warehouses. The Federal Aviation Administration discussed the use case for unmanned drones that leverage 5G cellular technology. The DoD tested 5G-enabled smart warehouses that feature automated inventory processes. Both are still in the experimental stage, but the testing framework will help ensure proper methods are used and the process arrives at sound conclusions.

 

Interested in learning more about what the 5G testing framework means to your agency? Contact a Carahsoft 5G representative or visit Carahsoft to learn more.

The DoD’s Move to 5G Infrastructure and Devices

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Over the last several years, the discussion around 5G moved from hope and planning to pilots and test beds. Now agencies and industry are on the cusp of a 5G reality. Agencies already are spending billions of dollars on these 5G tests and now the Federal Communications Commission and others are providing more money to further roll out 5G infrastructure. Taken altogether, 5G is close to that tipping point where a technology become ubiquitous. The FCC has allocated $9 billion to roll out 5G infrastructure across rural America. Meanwhile, the Defense Department and the Coast Guard already are seeing the benefits of 5G to servicemembers. Hear from leaders at DoD, the Coast Guard, FCC and CISA on how 5G can bring new capabilities and innovations that allow agency personnel to experience data, training and operations in ways not possible before in the latest Federal News Network Expert Edition report.

 

Enterprise-Grade Security Is Vital for Secure 5G Infrastructure

“Top of mind regarding 5G benefits is security. To be fair, 5G also comes with its own risks: The rapid proliferation of endpoint devices enabled by 5G means a massive expansion of the threat surface. And because most of those devices are mobile or sensors, they’re not secure to begin with. But 5G also enables the solution to these problems. For one thing, it adds heightened authentication, which is important because the biggest vulnerability to a network is the user. Users can add malicious software to devices, which can access data they’re not supposed to or influence the way the network operates.”

Read more insights from Palo Alto’s Senior Systems Engineering Specialist for 5G and Mobility, Bryan Wenger.

 

How DoD, IC Can Adopt Commercial Tech in the Mission Space Through Industry Co-Innovation

“From an operational perspective, technologies like 5G are going to exponentially increase the amount of data available within the enterprise, because nearly anything can become a sensor. That means, for example, in the area of contested logistics, the DoD will be able to have greater understanding and visibility into its supply chain nodes. More accurate inventory and consumption levels will provide better insight into the demand signal and allow for automation through a logistics system. It’s a smart depot all the way down to the individual soldier, but this makes it all the more critical to properly manage this data. This is an area where commercial technologies are well established and proven to work.”

Read more insights from SAP NS2’s CTO, Kyle Rice.

 

IIG FNN 5G Edition Blog Embedded Image 2021Neutral Host Networks, Private LTE Can Give Agencies Greater Flexibility, Security

“Neutral host networks can provide agencies with more autonomy and control over their networks. For example, a federal facility can set up a neutral host LTE network to mimic security controls they would usually use on their enterprise Wi- Fi. That also provides an infrastructure separate from service carriers in that area, but that is also capable of supporting and extending the service range of those carriers. In many remote or rural areas, there aren’t enough subscribers to justify investment in a large-scale LTE deployment. Federal agencies could potentially sublease a network as a revenue stream or cost offset. It’s like paving a road with private funds, then setting up a toll booth to cover the cost.”

Read more insights from Dell’s Lead System Architect, Chris Thomas.

 

JMA Brings Savings, Flexibility to 5G with Software Virtualization

“Virtualization is when you take something that used to be done in hardware, and you do it in software. Take your phone as an example: You used to have a dedicated iPod to do your music, and now it’s an application on your phone. The same thing can be said now in mobile wireless. At a cell site, you used to deploy numerous racks of equipment, to do what’s called the RAN function, the radio access network function. We at JMA take those racks of equipment, and we’ve now converted that into a 100% software solution that we call XRAN. Others in the industry have also converted RAN into software, but they still rely on specialized hardware accelerators. JMA’s is unique in that it provides 100% 5G capability in software.”

Read more insights from JMA’s Senior Vice President for the Federal Market, Andrew Adams.

 

Download the full Federal News Network Expert Edition report for more insights on the future of 5G from Carahsoft’s technology partners and leaders at DOD, the Coast Guard, FCC, and CISA.

5G for Government Agencies: When Is the Time Right to Make the Move?

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The digital transformation has pushed government agencies to adopt new technologies and ways of delivering services. Cloud computing and IoT devices are reshaping how government operates now and will continue to evolve how the public sector operates.

Now, 5G broadband is poised to do the same. The benefits 5G offers will open new opportunities to serve citizens better, leveraging edge computing and low latencies to provide services where they are, wherever that might be. 5G is, however, a still-developing technology and has not reached full maturity. As of early 2021, less than half of the United States had access to the 5G spectrum, and not everyone had devices capable of using the technology. In the next couple of years, use will be as ubiquitous as current 4G coverage, even in rural areas. For now, though, it’s still fairly nascent.

So, when should your agency begin adopting 5G as a standard internally and across your programs and initiatives? The answer is now. Agencies can embrace this new technology today, keep up with technological advances, and meet citizen expectations for services. The other option is to wait, and play catch up later, which will ultimately be needlessly more difficult.

Planning IT Roadmaps Now Means Fewer Headaches Later

The promise of 5G offers so many opportunities for government agencies to improve how services are provided. The technology will make them 5x more efficient, 5x more innovative, and 5x safer.

However, it will also require 5x the planning, 5x the investment, and 5x the change management. By itself, 5G won’t help agencies deliver on their mission. It’s how government leverages the technology that will be the game changer – and that requires creating acquisition and implementation roadmaps now.

Public sector IT infrastructure will require updates and upgrades to handle the increased capacity. Addressing network needs now will allow agencies to hit the ground running when 5G becomes the norm in the not-so-distant future. Getting 5G on roadmaps serves as a beacon that the technology is coming, and agency teams need to be thinking about it now.

5G When is the Time Right to Move Blog Embedded Image 2021Changing How Programs Operate in the Future

IT practitioners will need to prepare for program shifts and the addition of new technologies that will require new infrastructure. Forward-looking agencies will explore using applications like virtual reality or new IoT devices to meet their mission. It’s difficult to say now exactly what form new initiatives may take, but program managers, agency CIOs, and procurement teams need to have the option to support these kinds of program shifts.

Smart cities have been discussed for decades and, with 5G, the bandwidth exists to make them a reality. In the United States, local, state, and federal governments have the opportunity to speed national adoption by being a front runner for local broadband initiatives.

Future program operational changes will include:

  • Decoupling from a physical location – Agencies will be able to take services into the field instead of relying on a traditional office, bringing services to citizens
  • Bridging the urban-rural divide – Connectivity in rural areas has lagged behind urban centers, making it more difficult to provide digital services to all citizens
  • Increased use of IoT devices – Devices ranging from delivery drones to autonomous traffic lights that change with traffic patterns have the potential to reshape how government uses technology and data

Can You Scale Security with your Network?

The 5G era will introduce a host of new devices and capabilities, but also new security threats. The technology itself introduces enhanced security through mutual authentication, subscriber identity protection, and other security standards. However, government IT practitioners must also prepare for the potential of new exploits, especially as networks move off-premises and devices proliferate.  The risks that will come with this new era of connectedness must be taken into consideration.

Is your IT infrastructure secure enough to handle the potential increase in threats? As you’re moving to zero trust, do you need to factor in 5G? Can you respond to ransomware attacks? Are there sufficient redundancies in place in case of data loss? The answers to these questions will require new security standards to be developed, and resiliency to be architected in.

IT infrastructure will need to be prepared and all devices, including legacy and new IOT systems, must include a security review and check.

Helping Government Determine When to Embrace 5G

Carahsoft understands the needs of government agencies and how to help them prepare for a more connected future. We work with agencies to identify their needs, upgrade legacy systems, and fill gaps where needed to make them ready for the 5G future.

 

Speak to a Carahsoft representative today about planning to embrace 5G technology.

3 Things Government Agencies Should Consider When Planning for 5G

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Digital transformations have been ongoing for several years, as government increasingly embraces the efficiencies and capabilities that modernization offers. However, few will have as widespread of an impact as the adoption of 5G mobile broadband. This new standard is a potential gamechanger for how services are delivered and citizen experience, but only if government agencies are prepared when the technology becomes more available.

Implementing 5G will require planning and modernization roadmaps that consider the upgrades in IT infrastructure and staff capabilities needed to take full advantage of the additional bandwidth. So, while the technology is still in the deployment phase, what should government agencies plan for when 5G becomes ubiquitous?

Make infrastructure changes on-premises and in the field

5G Roadmap to Digital Transformation Blog Embedded Image 2021The most immediate change government will face is updating existing IT infrastructure. Moving to 5G is an iterative change over 4G, so it won’t require a complete overhaul of legacy systems. One obvious need is to upgrade end-user devices, including everything from moving up a generation in smartphones – the iPhone 12 supports 5G, but the iPhone 11 does not, for example – to updating devices used in the field by emergency services or law enforcement. Routers and other network devices may need upgrades as well, although some may be done through software and firmware updates.

It’s also the time to have a conversation about adopting a cloud model. If your agency is working off a traditional data center, a cloud option supported by 5G may be a better option. Hybrid and private clouds are becoming more common in government, and public offerings tailored to public sector needs have made the 5G-supported cloud another viable option.

A more mobile workforce also means that IT operations will need to upgrade security and resiliency. Moving away from on-premises only means that there will be additional threats that must be accounted for. IT infrastructure must meet government security standards at every step and have platforms in place that will protect systems from data loss should a breach occur.

Upgrade staffing capabilities

Throughout any agency, staff will need to be well-trained on how to leverage 5G, how to operate the IT infrastructure that uses it, and what the technology means.

For IT practitioners, this will require knowledge of multi-access edge computing (MEC) and software defined architecture. MEC brings computing power closer to the user and enables low latency data delivery. Software-defined architecture uses the cloud to deliver scalable and agile services for a large number of users. Modern government IT operations must understand how these factors impact infrastructure and how to best use 5G. New programming languages will need to be learned and workflows updated.

Reshaping how government operates

Outside IT, agencies should create programs and services with 5G included in delivery strategies. New technologies, such as virtual reality, mobile-first design, and machine learning, have the potential to reshape how government services are delivered. 5G will help take services to the field, even in rural areas, drastically changing how agencies interact with citizens.

Public sector employees will need to understand new strategies that are drastically different from the traditional way of doing things. Entire programs could be altered. Services will have the option of being re-designed from the ground up to think mobile-first. Instead of forcing users to come to a central location, the government will be able to go to citizens, improving the quality of services.

Mobility will change as transportation gets smarter and traffic flow is optimized. Drones will better monitor infrastructure. Telemedicine, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, will become the norm. This is only if government agencies put in the legwork and planning to use 5G to the greatest extent possible.

Guiding government through the 5G digital transformation

Carahsoft understands how 5G will shape the future and how to navigate the government procurement process. We will work with your agency to understand your needs and deliver the right solution for your unique situation.

 

Speak to a Carahsoft representative today about leveraging 5G technology.

The Path to Future-Ready Government IT

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The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that agencies need future-ready technology systems and strategies that enable them to tackle current challenges while incorporating the ability to innovate quickly during future crises. Such strategies rely on certain core components: multi-cloud management, modern app development, 5G, artificial intelligence and new approaches to security. They lead to app development teams that have an unwavering focus on delivering mission value; fine-grained control across public, private and hybrid clouds; better protection of critical assets; and a productive, engaged workforce. Future-ready strategies are fast, scalable and cost-effective – the question is how to build them. By 2023 over 1 billion users are expected to be utilizing 5G, and 36 percent of government CIOs plan to invest more on AI in 2021 than they did in 2020. The Presidential Administration’s May 12 Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity calls on agency leaders to develop plans to implement zero trust architecture. Many agencies are developing apps for the first time, or reassessing their app development approach. There’s no one way to be future-ready, but there are many considerations; read the latest insights from industry thought leaders in Carahsoft’s Innovation in Government® report on future-ready tech.

 

Why 5G is More Than a Telecom Revolution

“Agencies need to generate, analyze and manage massive amounts of data to achieve success on a diverse set of mission goals. The increase in bandwidth that comes with 5G widens the data pipe between devices and platforms to give agencies a faster way to move data and therefore harvest even more valuable insights for decision-making. 5G is not just about increasing bandwidth. It is also about creating new applications and enabling new services that can help agencies maximize the value of digital transformation. That’s because 5G is an enabler and catalyst for other crucial and transformative technologies, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, industrial automation, real-time sensor-based telemetry, drone control, artificial intelligence and automation.”

Read more insights from VMware’s Senior Director, Phil Kippen, and Dell Technologies’ Lead Systems Architect, Chris Thomas.

 

FCW Government IT Blog Embedded Image 2021Beyond Tools: A More Holistic Approach to Security

“To understand the challenge of a given threat or adversary, agencies need to understand the context in which they will be interacting with it. The security team must partner with the infrastructure, applications, networking, end-user and storage teams to gain those insights. Together, those experts can focus on the interactions between systems and define a view of “normal” activity. Then the agency’s IT ecosystem can react to any deviation from that standard. Fortunately, agencies don’t need to start from scratch. Many are adopting an end-to-end security model that leverages security capabilities intrinsic to the systems and solutions that are already in place to create a vision for secure agency operations. This approach allows them to connect context across environments to build a layer of control and intelligence to respond to and remediate threats. Zero trust is a key component of end-to-end security. Zero trust requires organizations to embrace the notion that their systems are already in a state of compromise.”

Read more insights from VMware’s Director of Government, Education and Healthcare Solutions Architecture, Henry Fleischmann.

 

How to Streamline Modern App Development

“In the commercial world, investment in modern apps is a business imperative, and the companies that focus on it attract the technology world’s best talent. In the government, modern app development is a mission imperative that encourages the use of common tools, saves time and money, enhances cybersecurity, and improves the citizen experience. Users of government software — whether they are citizens or agency employees — can become demoralized by the outmoded and onerous legacy systems that perform business or mission functions, especially when software makes every other facet of our lives easier. During my military career, I saw air operations conducted with pen and paper because manual processes were faster than using legacy software, and I know of many young military members whose decision to leave the service was heavily influenced by the lack of software capabilities on the job.”

Read more insights from VMware’s Federal Strategist, Jeremiah Sanders.

 

The Importance of a MultiCloud Strategy

“To control costs, improve operational efficiency and make the most of the technology, agencies should take a more holistic approach to managing clouds. Thinking holistically prompts agencies to proactively consider and plan for multiple clouds while reducing the risk and cost of managing, securing and governing them — rather than only developing skills and processes for a single cloud provider. Management tools and practices formed from a multi-cloud perspective allow agencies to focus on the entire life cycle of cloud operations. As a result, they can efficiently and effectively set up, deploy, manage and optimally run infrastructure resources and application services anywhere.”

Read more insights from VMware’s Vice President of Architecture and Engineering, Government, Education and Healthcare Sector, Ranil Dassanayaka.

 

Bringing AI-Powered Tech to Government

“Artificial intelligence is one of the largest technology transformations we’ve ever seen. As it becomes more widespread, AI will have an impact equivalent to that of the internet. The technology can help with the digital transformation of every facet of government. With the assistance of AI, agencies can rethink and enhance the customer experience by using a number of tools, such as natural language processing and predictive recommendations. In terms of cybersecurity, AI can quickly sift through massive amounts of data, allowing intelligence agencies to react to threats and attacks in real time. It can also improve medical care and public health, and help the government better predict the weather, understand long-range climate trends, and detect and quickly respond to natural disasters.”

Read more insights from VMware’s Director of Product Marketing, Sheldon D’Paiva, and NVIDIA’s Director of Product Marketing, Erik Pounds.

 

Download the full Innovation in Government® report for more insights from these government tech modernization thought leaders and additional industry research from FCW.

5G: The Future of Pandemic Response

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The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise. Slow reaction time, limited outreach capability and antiquated systems delivered a response that was not as effective or as agile as it could have been. Decades of infrastructure designed around in-person interactions were suddenly useless.

In efforts to maintain continuity of government, agencies worked overtime to pivot away from in-person interactions and moved to digital infrastructure. Changes ranged from small (accepting e-signatures) to large (tele-social care and moving drivers’ license applications online).

COVID-19 will pass eventually, but will we be prepared for the next national emergency? Technology and big data have played a major role in government response—and will probably play a similar role for whatever comes next.

5G vertical Pandemic Blog Embedded Image 20215G will provide the platform for accelerated response execution. The widespread deployment of the communications standard will change how we approach resiliency, response and health care. It will enable everyone—from citizen to agency to first responder—to prepare and respond to the next health care catastrophe.

How 5G will impact the next pandemic

COVID-19 provided a glimpse into how 5G will be used for the next health crisis. The technology is still in the growth stage and wasn’t ready to be fully leveraged in 2020.  However, it provided a roadmap of where responses may be going. Future pandemics will be marked by connectivity and an abundance of data.

For the general public, being better connected will be a bigger factor:

  • Better connected to work and school – For some, the shift to remote work was simple. For others, especially in areas where broadband speeds are limited, it was a larger issue.
  • Better connected to healthcare – Telemedicine, already gaining ground, will be more widespread.
  • Better connected to resources – Supply chains will make better use of automation and reduce person-to-person contact.

5G will help create parity of access and deliver a similar experience to all citizens.

But for public sector organizations, the next pandemic response will be marked by how many more tools government agencies and health care providers have at their disposal and how quickly information is shared. For example:

  • Tracking virus spread – From connected cars to wearable devices, 5G technology will make the Internet of Things (IoT) devices more ubiquitous. Sensor technology will be more advanced and come in a more ubiquitous footprint. 5G will also make it easier to track patient movements and dynamics. Doctors will know where infected patients have been and who they’ve interacted with, just by using data streamed by devices over 5G networks.
  • Remote diagnosis and care – Rural areas with reduced internet access have been at a disadvantage. Without the free flow of information that urban areas enjoy, rural health care workers work without the best tools. 5G will bridge this divide and enable remote health care. Public health bodies will have access to the latest data and applications no matter where they are.
  • Virtual reality surgical procedures – Surgeons will have the capacity to train and even perform procedures without being in the same room as the patient. Expert care will no longer be constrained by geography.
  • Citizen Engagement – 5G has the ability to transform local and rural communities from digital “have nots” to smart cities. With the bandwidth reach also comes the government’s ability to reach into those communities, communicate and deliver services more directly to the citizen.
  • AI predictions – Artificial Intelligence (AI) requires large amounts of bandwidth, which 5G will provide. AI will help governments make data-based decisions on everything from future spreads of a virus to potential cures. 5G will enable these systems that require huge amounts of data to operate at peak capacity and share findings with other organizations.
  • Machine-to-machine communications – New IoT devices will continue to increase automation and make in-person communication optional. Autonomous vehicles, smart cities and drones will aid response capabilities. Governments will also be better positioned to be notified of public health issues (pandemics included) and respond quickly.

5G technology is here. The public sector—from municipal to federal—stands to benefit, with new and better ways to serve customers and meet missions.

Carahsoft can be your guide through the transition. We partner with some of the world’s leading technology providers to provide white-glove services and solutions designed for your specific needs. From initial setup to optimization, Carahsoft will connect you with solutions providers to prepare you for what comes next.

How 5G Will Enable New Capabilities for Your Agency

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5G technology is the fifth generation of technology standards for broadband cellular networks. For government agencies, this evolution brings a revolutionary punch to the delivery of services and mission execution.

For starters, 5G has ultra-low latency and high data speed, fueling a whole new Internet of Things (IoT) capability and transforming how mission communication is done. It is 10 to 20 times the speed of 4G and capable of supporting up to 1 million devices per square kilometer. It will account for increased density in cities and help bridge the digital divide in rural regions.

It will also deliver high-speed broadband access to a wider audience. This will support residential and commercial users where fiber cable has not been laid and reduces deployment and maintenance costs. Multi-access edge computing (MEC) will bring resources closer to the end-user, reduce latency, and deliver critical information to the tip of the spear.

There is a world of opportunity in 5G for the government user. However, many agencies are still working out how to best tap into it. Others are still looking at the challenges they will experience in adopting 5G. This blog will explore some of the ways that government agencies will be able to tap into 5G and improve their ability to deliver on the mission.

5G Vertical Expanded Capabilities Blog Embedded Image 2021Expanding the sphere of influence

5G will have a general impact on global communications, but for government agencies it offers the potential to do more mission-critical work untethered from a physical location. Public health operations will have access to full systems, even in remote areas. The military will have the first “smart base.” Emergency services will have more and better data before entering a potentially dangerous environment. Think of it this way: 5G puts the human at the center of the mission.

Government services—especially those in the field—will be far more responsive to customer needs. Instead of residents having to come to a central location to complete a task, government agencies will have the option of bringing the service directly to residents without impacting the quality of service. Communities themselves will become better connected.

The hitch to all this goodness, however, is that government infrastructure must be prepared to respond to the democratization of data and a society where fast wireless internet is available in every region, not just urban areas.

Kickstarting MEC

Arguably, the biggest impact 5G will have is multi-access edge computing (MEC). By computing at the edge, users are physically closer to where computing happens. This reduced latency means a faster and more reliable environment.  Government agencies will be able to extend their reach outside of physical locations and bring services to citizens, no matter where they are.

With MEC, applications are faster and more reliable—without improving or altering the actual system. It brings the data center to the end user. For government agencies, it’s an opportunity to dive into some of the most advanced technologies. Previously, this may not have been possible because of inefficient and unreliable networks.

This means the potential use of technology like deep learning, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) in low-bandwidth environments. Military training can happen in field. Deep learning will enable agencies to harness the power of AI/ML in new ways.  For example, enhanced translation capabilities will enable government agencies to reach all citizens. Or, using 5G AI capabilities to perform rapid colorization of panchromatic imagery to increase the value of analysis. 5G can even deliver a deep-learning computer that refines its own ability to recognize an object. The possibilities and ramifications of deep learning aren’t even fully understood yet.

AR and VR create a powerful learning environment without the requirement—or risk—of being somewhere. Combined with 5G, it means AR/VR can happen anywhere. Dangerous missions like space exploration can be replicated in any room, enhancing training opportunities without increasing the danger. AR and VR can also be extended to military or emergency management functions.

The potential to leverage AR and VR to interact with citizens is also significant. From storytelling and public information campaigns to social service and telehealth, virtual worlds may change how agencies interact with citizens moving forward.

The future is…when?

The national rollout of 5G is ongoing—and will be for a few years still. As of early 2021, approximately 80% of the United States had coverage, with the remaining 20% anticipated by the middle of the decade. The transition will be seamless to the end user, although full adoption will take a bit longer since most older devices do not support the technology.

Government agencies will likely move slower with implementation. It will be an accelerant, but agencies should start preparing today. It’s clear the technology will be a gamechanger for agencies and how they fulfill their mission.

 

Do you want to know how 5G can help your agency? Contact 5G@carahsoft.com or call (703) 871-8626.