Douglas C. Smith, President and CEO of Oceus Networks, today testified on a panel before the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the House Energy and Commerce Committee at its hearing, “Creating Opportunities through Improved Government Spectrum Efficiency.” Smith’s testimony focused on the importance of commercial wireless broadband technology – specifically 4G LTE – as part of a toolset to meet military and other Federal users’ growing broadband communications requirements.

Smith, in his prepared testimony, highlighted that “assured access to the kinds of modern advanced communications capabilities provided by technology solutions such as 4G LTE is essential for warfighters to maintain information dominance on the battlefield and for efficient and effective use as part of enterprise solutions. Ensuring a wireless broadband future for Federal government users that is on par with that of U.S. consumers is a key contributor to economic growth, technological competitiveness and national security.”

Among others testifying were Karl Nebbia, Associate Administrator, Office of Spectrum Management, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and Maj. Gen. Robert Wheeler, Deputy Chief Information Officer for Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) and Information Infrastructure (DCIO for C4IIC), U.S. Department of Defense.

The mobile broadband revolution that is transforming consumers’ daily lives has profound implications for government users, presenting both opportunities and challenges, Smith explained. DoD has a level of spectrum requirements that is unprecedented, driven by increased data needs and increased reliance on advanced technology capabilities.

The implications of finding solutions that get this balance right are far-reaching. Both government and commercial wireless broadband users are integral to U.S. global leadership in mobile broadband technology. Government and commercial use of standard technologies, such as LTE, facilitates meeting challenges associated with sharing over the long-term. Sharing is easier between “like” systems, although it is imperative that individual user requirements (i.e., national security needs) be protected.

Testimony and video of the hearing can be found:

http://energycommerce.house.gov/hearing/creating-opportunities-through-improved-government-spectrum-efficiency

About Oceus Networks

Oceus Networks provides broadband solutions to governments and industry that enable them to deliver high-speed voice, video and data communications. The company delivers open, standards-based mobile and fixed network infrastructure as well as an extensive portfolio of public sector-focused solutions to simplify and expedite the deployment of wired and wireless broadband communications solutions. Oceus Networks is a U.S. company with headquarters in Reston, Virginia, with labs in Reston and Plano, Texas. Visit www.oceusnetworks.com to learn more.

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