US Ignite Launches $4m 5G Pilot Projects at a Marine Corps Base in San Diego

Work is in progress to help the first 5G pilot projects at a Marine Corps base in San Diego, California, part of an initial wave of 5G testbeds at bases around the U.S. which use commercial carriers' 5G networks to explore how the military can use the new wireless technology.

The 5G testbed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar utilizes Verizon's 5G network; as indicated by US Ignite, the carrier has been deploying 4G and 5G small cells to enhance existing LTE macro sites and serve the base with an upgraded network to help the pilots. Verizon's 5G mmWave-based service was turned up at the base beginning in July 2020.

“Military bases, like smart cities, are a crucial testing ground for new sensor-driven technologies, particularly as we upgrade the nation’s wireless networks to 5G,” said Nick Maynard, COO for US Ignite. “We have an opportunity at Miramar not only to experiment with systems to improve overall safety and efficiency on base, but also to help develop a framework of best practices that will serve smart bases and smart communities across the country.”