Emerging Tech

DOD Releases Prime Airwaves for Commercial 5G Networks

Amid criticism, officials said 100 megahertz of federal midband spectrum will be transferred to commercial users at an unprecedented pace.

Modernization

Agencies Off-Pace to Switch to New Telecom Contract Before Cutoff Date, GAO Says

The latest FITARA scorecard showed what percentage of operations have moved off old infrastructure contracts—and the numbers aren’t good. 

Emerging Tech

State Department Brings Financing Partners to Help Fund Huawei Alternatives

The State Department is working with financial institutions to help close deals for Western technology providers around the globe, an official says.

Ideas

A Post-Pandemic Guide to Building Resilient Business Comms

Agencies should ensure their communication systems are ready for another mass shift to telework in case the need comes up again.

Cybersecurity

Was the Pentagon’s Blacklist of Chinese Companies Justified?

An independent study of the list found China uses its favored companies to wipe out competition and spread economic influence.

Cybersecurity

China is Dumping Fiber Optic Cables in the Global Market, Commerce Official Says

The cables are key to the development of fifth-generation networks, and therefore a matter of national security for the Trump administration.

Digital Government

OMB Official: We Need More Cross-Agency Collaboration Tools

Mass teleworking due to the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital government, including a lack of communication options for interagency collaboration.

Emerging Tech

Industry Calls on Government to Invest Billions for Developing Secure 5G Networks 

Comments to the NTIA also say the administration shouldn’t choose winners and losers to compete with Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.

Ideas

Pandemic Reveals Need to Make Airwaves More Resilient

The spectrum's sweet spot—frequencies in the mid-range—can carry significant amounts of data while reaching many users but are reserved for the government.

Emerging Tech

5G-Focused Legislation Aims to Improve Security in Military Telecom Infrastructure

The DoD 5G Act would direct the launch of a Defense Secretary-led telecommunications security program.

Cybersecurity

NSA Revises Guidance on Teleworking Services for Government Users

The agency now notes end-to-end encryption may not be an option for some use cases. 

Cybersecurity

Commerce to Allow Sharing Certain Technology with Huawei

The move aims to facilitate full U.S. participation in international standards-setting bodies.

Ideas

'Telepresence' Can Help Bring Advanced Courses to Schools that Don't Offer Them

Using telepresence enables schools to offer students advanced courses they wouldn’t otherwise be able to take.

Modernization

FCC Proposes $225 Million Fine for Telemarketers Behind Massive Robocall Operation

The automated calls misled those who answered into thinking they were from major health insurance providers.

Emerging Tech

New Air-Ops Software to Get 5G Test Outside Las Vegas

The Air Force will build a 5G network at Nellis AFB, the latest U.S. base to host experiments with the next-gen comms gear.

Cybersecurity

White House to Seek Comment on National 5G Security Strategy 

The Pentagon and others want to move beyond activities focused on excluding Huawei and other equipment deemed tools of foreign adversaries from the ecosystem.

Emerging Tech

Bill Would Increase Broadband, Telehealth Capabilities in Rural America

Senate legislation would direct $2 billion in funding to help meet increased broadband demand during the coronavirus pandemic.