DoD selects Hughes' solution for 5G experimentation
Hughes Network Systems' are an established provider of military communications to the US Armed Forces. (Photo: Hughes Network Systems)
US DoD awards Hughe’s' $18 million contract to install 5G solution at Whidbey Island as part of experimentation efforts.
The US DoD has awarded Hughes Network Systems a contract valued at $18 million to install its standalone 5G network at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
The Hughes 5G network will utilise spectrum from DISH Wireless, which is capable of providing appropriate mmWave spectrum.
This work is part of an ongoing DoD 5G experimentation to establish seven Tranche 2 sites for 5G testing, following the five Tranche 1 sites established last year.
Joseph Evans, principal director for 5G within the office of the undersecretary for research and engineering at the DoD said the seven bases are Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Joint Base San Antonio, National Training Center, Fort Hood and at Tinker Air Force Base.
This award is part of the efforts led by Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
The deployment, which began in September 2021, prioritises security and leverages Zero Trust Architecture.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
