U.S. GSA Publishes Guidance for Federal Agencies to Buy Secure 5G Wireless Technology

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has published guidance to help government agencies buy secure 5G wireless technology, which supports higher data-transfer rates, more energy savings, higher capacity, better device connectivity, among other benefits. This guidance represents an ongoing multi-agency effort to document best practices for 5G deployments.

Mobile technology is a global economic driver, and each generation brings faster speeds and added support for new services. 5G technology’s enhanced capabilities over previous generations will allow the government to provide more robust infrastructure for purposes like smart buildings and telemedicine.

In 2020, congress passed the Secure 5G and Beyond Act which required the federal government to develop a strategy to ensure the security of next generation mobile telecommunications systems and infrastructure. The resulting publication, created in collaboration with subject matter experts across multiple agencies, shows how the U.S. will lead global development, deployment, and management of secure and reliable 5G infrastructure.

Part of that strategy involves reducing supply chain risks to U.S. economic and national security during the development and deployment of 5G infrastructure worldwide. To support this effort, GSA was charged with establishing specific processes to facilitate classified information requirements.

As a living document, the guidance will be regularly reviewed to keep pace with evolving technologies, ensure cybersecurity requirements, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and vendors.