Trump Administration Includes 5G in National Security Outline

The White House this week listed 5G networks — albeit briefly — among its national security goals this week.

The administration’s first National Security Strategy, which is delivered to Congress each year, made headlines primarily for aggravating China and Russia, reversing long-standing positions on issues such as climate change and even running contrary to the president’s own rhetoric.

But one line, in particular, drew the interest of the wireless industry. The White House listed next-generation networks among its infrastructure priorities under the document’s economic development agenda.

“We will improve America’s digital infrastructure by deploying a secure 5G Internet capability nationwide,” the administration wrote. “These improvements will increase national competitiveness, benefit the environment and improve our quality of life.”

Wireless industry group CTIA said that the government would need to open up additional spectrum and ease infrastructure regulations in order to beat rival nations in the race to 5G.

“CTIA and the wireless industry are pleased that the President’s national security strategy acknowledges the critical importance of next-generation 5G wireless to maintaining America’s competitiveness,” CTIA President and CEO Meredith Attwell Baker said in a statement.