LTE  |  2020-01-15

AT&T Providing Nellis Air Force Base 5G and FirstNet Services

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Under a new agreement with Nellis Air Force Base, AT&T will provide AT&T 5G services to the base in Southern Nevada

AT&T will also deliver FirstNet – the nationwide public safety communications platform – to eligible public safety personnel across Nellis.

AT&T will equip Nellis with 5G infrastructure to support wireless data and voice services connecting the base’s more than 40,000 Air Force personnel, their families, and retirees. It will provide wireless high-speed external and in-building connectivity across Nellis’ flight line, facilities, dormitories, and the Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center.

AT&T and Nellis AFB expect the new solution will result in a communications platform equipped to support a broad array of technology tools and innovations that can help the base modernize its approach to its mission. Potential Nellis use cases powered by AT&T 5G could include:

  • Support for world-class flight line operations, where mission data is transferred at high speeds with lower latency from the data platforms, sensors and onboard systems of arriving/departing aircraft to on-ground personnel.
  • Enhanced continuous video surveillance and analytics for increased base security.
  • Improved virtual, geographically distributed training for the Virtual Test and Training Center using AR/VR capabilities.
  • Near real-time management of inventory and aircraft schematics; improved use of parts; diagnostics analysis.

In addition to deploying 5G, we are also set to deliver FirstNet capabilities across the base for eligible first responder and public safety personnel. FirstNet is designed to strengthen communications among city, county, state, federal and tribal public safety professionals. And it’s advancing public safety communications with critical capabilities like priority and preemption to help keep vital communications connected in the event of an emergency.

“We’re honored to equip Nellis with a comprehensive communications solution built to support innovative services such as 5G and FirstNet,” said Mike Leff, Vice President, AT&T Global Public Sector.

AT&T ’s approach to 5G is based on a new set of network security standards that will ultimately offer improved encryption protections for wireless communications. New security features will eventually include enhanced capabilities to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats while helping to protect subscriber identities, network access and device authentication