A US National Strategy for 5G and Future Wireless Innovation

5G will make wireless connectivity more flexible and better able to be tightly integrated into different functions throughout the economy. Accelerating a secure deployment will be a force multiplier for growth. The private sector will lead the 5G rollout, but governments need to help. Agencies should leverage 5G for their own processes and encourage its use in their related industries. State and local governments should eliminate barriers to deployment. Congress should appropriate funds for pilot programs to identify and overcome challenges with the ongoing transition to virtualize network functions, introducing more software running on generic hardware infrastructure in wireless networks. Policymakers should increase funding for early-stage wireless R&D, setting the stage for 6G; support fair processes in standards-setting organizations; assist allies to see a larger market for trusted vendors; and protect IP rights for innovators. It is critical networks are built with secure components. A ban on Chinese 5G equipment makes sense; a ban on exports to Huawei does not. A better strategy should drive wireless innovation beyond 5G, with equipment from a diversity of suppliers.