• April 4, 2023

• News

•  Industry News

• Share

On Thursday, March 30, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) published a “shopper’s guide” to help federal agencies purchase secure 5G wireless technology. “Acquisition Guidance for Procuring 5G Technology” is a 28-page guide that showcases the inner mechanics of 5G technology, giving federal agencies a basic, clear look at what sets 5G apart from 4G and other wireless technology.

This guide supports implementation of the Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020, which directed the federal government to enact a strategy to help agencies, American allies, and strategic partners maximize the security of next generation mobile telecommunications systems, infrastructure, and software.

“5G networks have the potential to be faster, more reliable, and serve many more devices — and could provide infrastructure to help with everything from smart buildings to telemedicine,” said Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Sonny Hashmi. “We’re pleased to be issuing this guidance to ensure that government can make the most of secure 5G in its efforts to deliver for the American people.”

One of the main focuses of this guide is dedicated to the topic of security. In addition to covering multiple issues like 5G security and open RAN operations, federal agencies will learn how to use advanced 5G services, including fixed wireless access and edge computing.

“While the deployment of 5G presents new opportunities for better services, agencies need to consider several risks,” the guide explains. “Secure 5G implementation requires planning for resilience at the design phase and mitigating network exposure to untrustworthy elements.”

---

Sources:

gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-publishes-guidance-for-federal-agencies-to-buy-secure-5g-03302023

lightreading.com/regulatorypolitics/us-government-publishes-federal-5g-purchasing-guidelines/d/d-id/784137?