The objective of this audit was to assess the DoD’s progress in implementing its Fifth-Generation (5G) wireless communications technology strategy.
5G is the fifth iteration of wireless communications technology. 5G offers faster data speeds, better connectivity to networks, and reduced latency compared to previous generations. The FY 2020 NDAA directed the Secretary of Defense to develop a DoD 5G strategy and implementation plan. In May 2020, the DoD issued the “Department of Defense (DoD) 5G Strategy.” In December 2020, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD[R&E]) developed and issued the “DoD 5G Strategy Implementation Plan (5G Implementation Plan),” which identifies 17 components across 4 individual lines of effort (LOE) and describes how the DoD plans to implement the 17 LOE components.