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1 1 (June 4, 2021)

handle is hein.crs/govednw0001 and id is 1 raw text is: ssionst- Sesesvh Updated June 4, 2021 National Security Implications of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technologies The fifth generation (5G) of mobile technologies will increase the speed of data transfer andimprove bandwidth over existing fourth generation (4G) technologies, in turn enabling new military and commercial applications. 5G technologies are expectedto support interconnectedor autonomous devices. such as smart homes. self-driving vehicles, precision agriculture systems, industrial machinery, and advancedrobotics. 5Gfor the military could additionally improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (TSR) systems and nrocessing: enable new methods of command and control (C2); and streamline logistics systems for increased efficiency, among other uses. As 5Gtechnoloaies are develoned and deployed. Con res s may consider nolicies for snectrummana ement and national security, as well as implications for U.S. military operations. Spectrum Management 5G technologies plan to use three segments of the electromagnetic spectrum(the spectrum): high band (also called millimeter wave, or MMW), which operates between around 24 and 300 GHz; mid band, which operates between 1 GHz and 6 GHz; and low band, which operates below 1 GHz. Mid band and low band are often collectively referired to as sub-6 (see Figure 1). Figure 1. SG Proposed Spectrum Source: https://media.defense.gov/201 9/Apr/03/20021 09302f-I/-1/0/ DI B_5G_STU DY_04.0 3.19.PDF. Millimeter waves allow faster data transfer rates, which some telecommunications companies argue is required for autonomous vehicles, virtualreality, and otherdata- intensive applications like smart cities; however, MMW travel comparatively shortdistances andcanbe absoibedby rain or disrupted by physical objects such as buildings and vehicles. As a result, 5GMMW technologies require installing a higher number ofcell sites-atmuch higher cost and on a much slower deployment timeline than the sub-6 approach. 5Gdeployment thus relies on MMW for high-speed, high-bandwidth communications andon sub-6 waves for nationwide coverage. Telecommunication companies around the world are deploying 5G in different ways. Chinese telecommunications companies are focusing on the less expensive sub-6 approach, while some U.S. telecommunication providers are focused on MMW deployments and others on sub-6. The Department of Defense (DOD), however, holds large portions of the usable spectrum. Although DOD uses certain MMW frequencies for high-profile military applications such as Adv anced Extremely High Frequency satellites that provide assured global communications for U.S. forces, it extensively uses sub-6 frequencies-leaving less sub-6 availability in the United States thanin other countries. The Defense Innovation Board (DIB) advised DOD to consider sharing sub-6 spectrumto facilitate the build-out of 5G networks and the development of5G technologies used in the sub-6 band. While DODhas been moving toward greater spectrumsharing, it has expressed concern that sharing presents operational, interference, and security is sues for DOD users. As an alternative to spectrumsharing, some analysts have argued that portions of the sub-6 spectrumshould be reserved for commercial use. This would require DOD to relocate certain applications to other parts of the spectrum. The DIB estimates this approach would take around 10 years to complete, as opposedto 5 years for spectrumsharing. National Security Concerns Accordingto a DIB assessment, China is the currentleader in sub-6 technologies and is likely to deploy the world's first 5G wide-area network. Chinese companies, which often receive government subsidies (e.g., subsidized land for facilities, R&D grants), are therefore well-positioned as global5G suppliers. Huaweihas signed contracts forthe constructionof5G infrastructure in around 30 countries, including Iceland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Some experts are concerned that vulnerabilities in Chinese equipment could be used to conduct cyberattacks or military/industrial espionage. These experts claim vulnerabilities were introduced through the poorbusiness practices of many Chinese companies. However, they note that vulnerabilities could also be intentionally introduced for malicious purposes. China's National IntelligenceLaw, enacted in June 2017, declares thatany organization and citizen shall, in accordance with the law, support, provide assistance, and cooperate in national intelligence work, and guard the secrecy of any nationalintelligence workthat they are aware of. Some analysts interpret this law as requiring Chinese companies to cooperatewith intelligence services, including compelling installationof backdoors to provide private data to the government. https://crsrepc

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