The Air Force Civil Engineer Center recently finished awarding leases that will bring 5G service to 84 Air Force and Space Force installations by 2028, helping the workforce, Airmen, Guardians and their families stay connected through secure and reliable networks.
In collaboration with the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the AFCEC Installations Directorate granted 25-year leases to private entities to install commercial broadband networks at Department of the Air Force installations in the United States.
Known as the DAF Long Term Evolution 5G Initiative, the effort will provide faster and more reliable cellular coverage in housing areas and improve coverage in work centers, training areas and along flightlines.
"The integration of 5G into our mission is very critical," said Chris Castillo, AFCEC realty specialist. "The reality is we moved from 5G being just a communication mechanism to something we can use to enhance security measures for our data and missions, which is really important for our warfighters."
AFCEC began the LTE initiative in 2017 with a three-phase rollout with a goal of completing installation of 5G at all CONUS locations by 2028.
"One of the biggest challenges has been finding providers capable of installing the towers while also offering cell service," said Judi Tepperman, AFCEC Real Property Management Division chief. "During Phase 2, we learned it was more effective to invest time in finding entities that could handle both tower construction and cell service provision."
In December 2022, Verizon Communications, Inc. was awarded the contract for Phase 2. The solicitation for Phase 3 began in February 2024, splitting into four groups to better gauge cell providers offered in each area. Groups 1-3 of Phase 3 were awarded to Verizon and Group 4 to Boldyn Networks.
While Phases 1 and 2 are ongoing, work for Phase 3 is slated to begin at the end of November 2024.
"It's been rewarding to be a part of an effort that not only saves the DAF money by partnering with these entities, but also provides Airmen and Guardians with essential tools needed to get the job done at work then come home to connect with their loved ones," Castillo said.
The LTE initiative originally conceptualized as a quality-of-life concern in response to wing commanders reports of a lack of cellular coverage that private industry typically provides to local communities.
"Ensuring mission readiness, while boosting the morale of Airmen and Guardians is our top priority," Tepperman said. "Better coverage means easier internet access, stronger hot spots, and higher quality audio and video calls to family and friends."
