Construction on a fifth-generation (5G) cellular network at Nellis Air Force Base will begin in July and is planned to be operational by January 2021, the Pentagon said in a press release. 

“The Defense Department recognizes 5G technology is vital to maintaining America’s military and economic advantages,” said Joseph Evans, the Pentagon’s technical director for 5G. 

The technology will only be available to users on a private network and features relocatable cell towers that are capable of being mobile within an hour. Officials say the technology will “support distributed planning and mission-execution functions.” 

Previous DOD 5G testing have been announced for Hill AFB, Utah; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia; and Naval Base San Diego, California. 

Photo by U.S. Air Force