US military eyes expanding deployment to 3GPP for 5G

The US Department of Defense (DoD) said it plans to expand its activities in standards-setting organizations including the 3GPP, which is the primary global technology-development association for 5G.

"To promote high-quality, protected and reliable 5G devices and applications, the US must play a lead role in shaping information and communications technology standards," the Pentagon wrote in its new "5G strategy implementation plan," issued in December. "DoD will fully implement its Standards Engagement Plan and will actively participate in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) organization."

The agency said its subject matter experts will work with peers at other US agencies like the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in order to interact with standards-setting bodies including the 3GPP, the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) and the Institute for Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The goals, according to the US military, include "strengthening US influence in key standards setting organizations and promoting high-quality American 5G and beyond technologies."