US Navy adds T-Mobile to $2.7 billion contract

The US Navy has selected T-Mobile as its wireless solutions provider as part of a ten-year, $2.67 billion ‘Spiral 4 contract’.

The Department of Defense will adopt T-Mobile’s 5G network for wireless solutions in the Navy.

It will include voice, data, fixed wireless solutions, Internet of Things and mobility management solutions.

The partnership will also ensure connectivity for activities ranging from mission-critical communications to network solutions that serve military personnel.

“With a cutting-edge product portfolio, a proven track record and a clear vision for the future, we’re ready to take government innovation to the next level,” said David Bezzant, vice president of sales, T-Mobile for Government.

‘Spiral 4’ relates to the next phase of the Navy’s wireless and telecommunications partnership efforts – T-Mobile had been already part of the ‘Spiral 3 contract’, a five-year-long agreement which began in 2017, alongside Verizon Communications and AT&T.

During this time, the US Navy launched its 5G private and hybrid network solutions.

Now, telco companies Verizon, Echostar, and Wide Point are also joining T-Mobile in Spiral 4.

Protecting the internet: the threat to subsea cables

In the future, T-Mobile said government agencies may be able to leverage the telco provider’s partnership with Elon Musk-owned aerospace firm SpaceX.

This will merge its network with Starlink’s satellites with the goal of providing improved connectivity.