Staying updated with the latest trends and innovations in digital marketing and technology can be challenging, even for the most dedicated industry insiders. Network operators and their customers must push the boundaries of wireless broadband’s possible future as we pave the way for our digital future. Get to know the top 5G leaders shaping the future of connectivity in the next decade.
Table of Contents
What Is 5G?
5G represents the fifth generation of mobile network technology, introduced in 2019 by key players in the mobile industry, such as Qualcomm, AT&T, Intel, Verizon, and Samsung. The advent of 5G has significantly enhanced the capabilities of mobile networks. Compared to the existing 4G networks, 5G offers at least 100 times faster speeds, lower latency (delay), and improved bandwidth.
Why Is 5G Important for the U.S. Government?
The U.S. government has shown keen interest in 5G technology because of its immense potential to revolutionize how federal agencies can fulfil their missions. Here are some ways how 5G can help:
1. Receives and Transmits Large Amounts of Data
5G allows government agencies to quickly receive and send large amounts of data. Aside from the low latency and faster transmission, 5G can also support advanced analytics, AI, and mission-critical applications.
In order to take full advantage of 5G, government agencies heavily reliant on computers should consider installing fiber optic cables and distributed antenna systems within their buildings. This will ensure a strong internet connection and safeguard valuable information and data.
2. Improves Government Operations
Using 5G improves government operations by providing access to real-time information across various devices and enabling real-time decision-making based on data collected by 5G-enabled devices.
This capability proves particularly helpful for field workers, military officials, law enforcement agents, and first responders. Moreover, 5G can bolster airport security, streamline shipping ports, and expedite supply chain logistics.
3. Upgrades Emergency Response Services
Using 5G-equipped devices, such as drones, can help first responders and rescue vehicles maintain access to cell service. This is especially important when conducting searches in challenging environments such as severe weather conditions, dense vegetation, mountainous terrains, and areas with massive obstructions. The 5G network can automatically rectify any portions that may be severely impacted, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for effective operations in these challenging scenarios.
1. Rishi Bhaskar, Senior Vice President and General Manager of JMA Wireless
Photo of Rishi Bhaskar on LinkedIn
Rishi Bhaskar is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of JMA Wireless. He has held the position since December 2021. JMA Wireless, headquartered in New York, is a prominent manufacturer of wireless networking hardware specializing in advanced software-based 5G platforms.
Rishi Bhaskar, a 5G leader, has spent nearly two decades working for telecommunications and mobile companies, including eDial, Alcatel, Motorola Solutions, and Ericsson. Throughout his career, he has leveraged his deep understanding of technology to identify and solve business problems through innovative solutions.
What’s Next for Rishi Bhaskar
Rishi Bhaskar remains committed to staying abreast of the latest advances and developments in the fast-paced technology landscape. In 2023, he aims to share his unique perspectives to help federal agencies keep up with tech innovation at a reasonable price.
Rishi Bhaskar attended the AFCEA International conferences, where he discussed the first 5G standalone deployment, which has gained the trust of the Department of Defense.
As the Department of Defense actively engages in programs to propel American 5G leadership, Rishi Bhaskar’s team at JMA is working with RIVA to provide a private 5G network powered by XRAN.
2. Margaret Hallbach, Senior Vice President of Verizon Public Sector and President of Verizon Frontline
Photo of Margaret Hallbach on LinkedIn
Since February 2022, Maggie Hallbach has been the Senior Vice President of Verizon Business in the Public Sector. Verizon is a telecommunications company that provides voice, data, and video services and solutions to its networks and platforms.
In her role as the Senior Vice President of Verizon’s Public Sector, Maggie Hallbach leads a team of professionals dedicated to partnering with Verizon’s customers in federal, state, local, education, and public safety to deliver technology solutions and services. Hallbach is also the President of Verizon Frontline, an advanced network for first responders with the most reliable 5G network.
Maggie Hallbach’s accomplishments have earned her the distinction of being a Wash100 Award Winner in 2023. She received this recognition for her instrumental role in securing significant contract wins worth $967 million, $400 million, and $1.6 billion under the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) programs.
What’s Next for Maggie Hallbach
Maggie Hallbach, a respected figure in the field of 5G and a 20-year veteran, leads a dedicated team committed to serving the government and public safety customers. This year, their primary focus is providing responders with reliable 5G connectivity and helping public safety agencies in their future-preparedness efforts.
Some of their task orders from contracts include modernizing network architectures for the Defense Department, improving network speeds and securing communications, and maintaining networks at embassies and political locations.
3. Richard Lober, Vice President and General Manager of the Defense and Intelligence Systems at Hughes Network Systems
Photo of Richard Lober from Defence and Space
Richard Lober has been the Vice President and General Manager of the Defense and Intelligence Systems at Hughes Network Systems since November 2008. Hughes Network Systems is a high-speed satellite Internet company that provides satellite networks and solutions and helps bring 5G and LEO constellations into the federal marketplace.
Having been in the position for more than 14 years, Richard Lober is responsible for implementing the company’s product line of satellite communication technologies, services, and systems for the defense market and the intelligence community.
Lober’s expertise includes business development, proposal management, large program capture, acquisitions, product line management and road mapping, program and P&L management, and strategic planning,
What’s Next for Richard Lober
Rick Lober at Hughes is helping to establish a one-stop shop for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. The goal is to discover different types of constellation orbits to develop a single solution and more resilient and seamless satellite networking services.
They are also looking into terrestrial connectivity with fiber, 5G, and LTE for communications and a few programs for the Defense Department’s network and mission management area.
4. Todd Martin, President of Shared Spectrum Company
Photo of Todd Martin on LinkedIn
Since March 2020, Todd Martin has been the President of Shared Spectrum, a Virginia-based developer of radio technology for broadband wireless networks, military, and public safety responders.
Todd Martin at Shared Spectrum evaluates technology investments and oversees staff development, project execution, corporate budgeting, and marketing. He helps develop company strategy, teaming and partnerships, and new business.
Before joining Shared Spectrum in May 2017 as a Principal Engineer, Todd Martin was an Engineering R&D Program Manager at Science and Technology Associates.
With nearly 30 years of engineering, technology, and program leadership, his projects have covered various subjects and technologies, including aeroacoustics, adaptive wireless communications and networking, electronic warfare, and free-space optical communications.
What’s Next for Todd Martin
Todd Martin and his team at Shared Spectrum are utilizing 5G networks for the Department of Defense to allow sharing with commercial systems. They are also integrating algorithms into 5G systems, followed by testing in the next few months. This partnership with the Defense Department can yield results for 5G, 6G, and NextG designs, implementations, and standards.
5. Michael Loomis, General Manager at Nokia Federal Systems
Michael Loomis is the General Manager of Nokia Federal Solutions, a leading provider of networking products and product development solutions. He has held the position since August 2021.
Michael Loomis is responsible for leading Nokia’s initiatives and product investments to cater to the needs of the U.S. federal government. His military background and experience qualified him to lead Nokia’s federal business into the future.
Michael Loomis has held several executive positions at different telecommunications companies, including Bay Networks, Nortel, Verizon, and Alcatel-Lucent.
What’s Next for Michael Loomis
Michael Loomis’ business segment is looking into new areas that the Defense Department and the federal government want to accomplish through Nokia’s innovative technologies. 5G is one of their growth initiatives, focusing on private wireless. This comes with big investments in the Enterprise vertical to discover other use cases of private wireless to improve their products for federal customers.
