In the race to 5G dominance, the U.S. government might not have the capacity to handle the technology to lead the field, which could greatly impact information sharing, said a top intelligence official.
Speaking at the Defense One Tech Summit, Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence William Evanina said that they’re treating 5G as something that can’t be handled right now because of how quickly it moves.
He says that the U.S. government should start prioritizing in two areas to help maintain leadership in the technology sector, globally. Evanina says to focus on protecting what we’re doing best and to find a way to reestablish the Federal government in the STEM community, starting with elementary schools.
It’s not all doom-and-gloom in striving for 5G dominance, though, even if it’s not something that the U.S. is prepared to implement just yet.
“There’s a great upside here for the consumers, for America, and the economy,” John Demers, assistant Attorney General for National Security at the Department of Justice said. “I think we continue to have an edge in creativity and innovation,” he added.
While protecting the access and integrity to communications systems is important, government and industry should continue working together to produce 5G capabilities and not shy away from innovation.
