5G networks are highly scalable, accommodate electromagnetic spectrum diversity and are, beneficially, based on established standards, according to Johnson Wu, a contractor who works on the cyber portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit.
They’re also ideal for demanding environments such as remote locations ‘at the edge’ and for private networks that the military demands for its secure communications, Wu told GovCon Wire in an exclusive interview. As a value-add for the DOD, 5G allows for network slicing and sidelink device-to-device data mesh, he said.
Wu will speak on a panel at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 5G Summit alongside other notable Pentagon officials and distinguished industry representatives. They’ll discuss deploying 5G in the field: use cases, success stories and areas wherein they need the private sector’s help to accomplish further. Don’t miss this exciting GovCon conference on Feb. 27; register now!
Right now, Wu says the main focus of the military with regard to comms systems should be enabling the aforementioned agile environment operations and also promoting carrier independence — that is, not being locked into one vendor or telecom provider. Many have noted that open radio access networks, a.k.a. ORAN, are the answer to the latter mission, as they effectively accommodate multiple providers.
Industry Needs to ‘Dance the Tango’
In speaking with us, Wu cited DIU’s statement of purpose, that it is “focused on accelerating the adoption of commercial and dual-use technology.” But he feels like the private sector isn’t always willing to risk the necessary things in order to make those technologies a reality for the government.
“We are still seeing a lot of comms-related proposals where the vendors are counting on the government to put first (if not all) skin in the game. We’d like to see industry dance the tango with us in better form,” he challenged.
This increased, risk-embracing collaboration means a fast and feedback-responsive process of prototyping and testing and room for sequential iterations of new systems and applications. Standards and use cases for technologies change pretty quickly in the federal defense space, so the private sector needs to be agile about adapting to these evolutions, Wu noted.
Engage With Wu
Have a response to Wu’s call to action and thoughts on government-industry partnerships? Attend the 2025 5G Summit on Feb. 27 and speak with him directly, as well as enjoy his panel discussion “Securing 5G in the Field.” The event will also feature a number of prominent defense and civilian agency officials — such as DOD Deputy Principal Director of FutureG Marlan Macklin — and telecom luminaries from Nokia, Ericsson and Oceus. Don’t miss out; register now!
