America’s digital infrastructure is in dire need of an upgrade to maintain its competitiveness and national security in the 21st century. The nation that once led the digital era is now lagging behind in the race for 5G technology, posing a significant threat to its global standing. However, with the release of the National Spectrum Strategy and other key initiatives, the Biden administration is signaling a commitment to addressing this critical issue.
Key Takeaway
America’s digital infrastructure is at a critical juncture, and strategic measures are essential to revitalize the nation’s competitiveness in the global arena.
The Challenge of 5G Technology
America’s struggle to keep up with the global 5G landscape is evident, with the country falling far behind in terms of speed and infrastructure compared to nations like Bulgaria, Malaysia, and South Korea. The dominance of Chinese technology firm Huawei in the 5G market further exacerbates the challenge for the U.S.
Rethinking Spectrum Innovation
While the focus has primarily been on mobile network deployment, the evolving telecommunications technology landscape demands a broader approach. The current spectrum policies do not align with the increasing reliance on Wi-Fi for data transmission, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive strategy.
Playing to America’s Strengths
Despite the challenges, the U.S. possesses strengths in software development, competitive innovation, and market shaping, which can be leveraged to build world-class digital infrastructure. Embracing software-defined network architecture and promoting competitive access to spectrum are among the strategies that can drive innovation and competitiveness.
