Data and communications have become the engine of modern governance. Public cellular and Wi-Fi networks have revolutionized the way we communicate and access information. Still, they come with limitations that can hinder the security, reliability, and flexibility required by government agencies.
To address these issues, government entities are increasingly turning to private 4G/5G Networks to safeguard sensitive data, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure seamless connectivity in the pursuit of serving their citizens effectively and securely.
The challenges many governments face after recognizing the benefits of Private 4G/5G are the complexity and cost of adoption. Government resellers are increasingly playing a pivotal role in the acquisition of private mobile networks by shortening the purchasing cycle and minimizing the time and expense for government agencies to acquire necessary equipment, services, and expertise.
Resellers often work with organizations such as NASPO, the National Association of State Procurement Officials. NASPO is made up of representatives from the purchasing offices of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
One NASPO reseller, Discountcell, is expanding its reach beyond tablets, routers, cell phones and accessories to sell private mobile networks to governments through a partnership with Alef, a mobile connectivity Software-as-a-Service platform company. The idea is to make it simpler and more cost-effective for small and large government agencies to take advantage of the benefits provided by private 4G/5G networks.
Alef’s offering provides a cloud-based mobile core solution that enables users to get up and running quickly, often in days, integrating the new mobile network with existing infrastructure and allowing IT to manage the combined system through their existing network management platform. “This partnership means that Discountcell can combine their existing CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) and EBS (Educational Broadband Service) radio products with an Alef 4G or 5G Core for a new breed of private mobile network offering, one that looks like an extension of their customers’ existing LAN network and interworks with existing Wi-Fi controls,” said Jim Jacobellis, SVP of Sales and Technology Partners for Alef.
Several government entities have already taken advantage of NASPO efficiencies to acquire Private 4G and 5G networks. Initial use cases from these deployments include:
- Using the Private 4G and 5G network as an “air fiber” approach to expand Wi-Fi reach to public areas such as community centers and Parks.
- Enabling a secure high-speed connectivity path for Point-of-Sale activities during city and High School events (Wi-Fi and Public Cellular are often congested during large gatherings).
- Implementing workforce development via Private 4G and 5G to increase the digital literacy of students and citizens.
- Reducing telecommunications costs for camera connectivity and A.I. functionality for applications such as License Plate Reading, Shot Fire Detection, Atmospheric Readings, Real-Time Analytics, and anything autonomous.
- Providing K-12 students who can’t afford broadband with a zero-cost Wi-Fi hotspot device for use in their homes or apartments.
It’s nice to see collaborations like Discountcell and Alef come together to offer our government agencies a private mobile network offering that is simpler and more cost-effective than alternatives. This partnership should accelerate the adoption of PMNs at more levels of public office, providing enhanced connectivity, security, and operational efficiency to departments we all rely on.
For more, visit https://www.alefedge.com/
