“We are at a critical point in our nation’s history – it’s today’s investments in our defense that will ensure the success of our warfighters on the battlefields of the future,” stated U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Lead Republican of the House Armed Services Committee, following the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December 2023.1
This landmark legislation includes a directive for the Department of Defense (DoD) to revolutionize connectivity across military installations. The mandate calls for the deployment of private wireless networks that leverage cutting-edge 5G information and communications capabilities alongside Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture.
These networks represent more than just a technological enhancement, they are a critical component of the DoD’s broader strategy to enhance security, improve connectivity, and enable mission-specific functionalities on military bases. The introduction of these advanced networks is a strategic move to ensure that the U.S. military maintains its technological edge in an increasingly connected and data-driven world.
In this context, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is positioned as a vital tool in the DoD’s modernization efforts. FWA represents a reliable and flexible alternative or even complement to traditional wired infrastructure, particularly in remote or highly secure areas where conventional connectivity solutions may be impractical or prohibitively expensive.
This white paper explores the role of FWA in the DoD’s modernization journey, highlighting its potential to deliver robust, secure, and scalable connectivity solutions that meet the unique needs of defense operations.