US releases 5G implementation strategy

The US National Telecommunications and Information Administration has released a paper titled National Strategy to Secure 5G Implementation Plan, developed by the Executive Branch. It details how the USA along with like-minded countries will lead global development, deployment, and management of secure and reliable 5G infrastructure. Aligned with the National Strategy to Secure 5G, which was issued in March 2020, the implementation plan encompasses four lines of effort. The first line of effort establishes a new research and development initiative to develop advanced communications and networking capabilities to achieve security and resilience, while enabling 5G coverage at an affordable cost. The second line of effort is to identify and assess risks and vulnerabilities of 5G infrastructure, while building on existing capabilities in assessing and managing supply chain risk. This work will involve the development of criteria for trusted suppliers and the application of a vendor supply chain risk management template. The third line of effort is to address risks to the US economy and national security during the development and deployment of 5G infrastructure worldwide. The USA will identify incentives and policies that are necessary to close security gaps by coordinating with private actors. Lastly, the fourth line of effort involves the promotion of responsible global development and deployment of 5G. A key component of this effort is diplomatic outreach and engagement to advocate for the adoption and implementation of 5G security measures that bans the use of equipment from untrusted vendors in all parts of 5G networks.