Verizon expands 4G and 5G to 35 Air Force bases paving the way for hybrid networks

Verizon announced the rollout of 4G and 5G upgrades at 35 US Air Force bases as part of the Air Force’s implementing 5G across 84 Air and Space Force installations by 2028, as reported by Fierce Wireless. This effort reinforces Verizon’s role as the largest 5G provider for DOD, with $3.78 billion in contracts since 2023.

Verizon currently provides public and private 5G networks at 14 military bases, including Luke, Tyndall, and Shaw. Key installations in the current phase include Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg, and Eglin Air Force Bases.

SNS Telecom analyst Asad Khan noted that some installations are adopting hybrid public-private 5G solutions, allowing local data processing and traffic prioritization for security-sensitive and time-critical tasks such as work center operations, training, and flightline management. Verizon joins other providers like Boldyn Networks in the DOD’s strategic push to integrate advanced wireless technologies into military operations.