U.S. Army Selects EchoStar's Hughes to Deploy 5G Open RAN with RAN Intelligent Controller at Fort Bliss

Rhea-AI Summary

EchoStar 's subsidiary Hughes Network Systems has been awarded a $6.5 million contract to deploy a 5G Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) prototype at Fort Bliss, Texas. The network will feature a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) for testing military network applications. The prototype will initially operate as a temporary evaluation network before transitioning to support both DoD and commercial customers. Hughes will serve as prime contractor, integrating RIC with ORAN infrastructure and 5G spectrum from Boost Mobile. The project aims to test rapid spectrum changes at 5G control nodes for mobile command post communications and supports FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act requirements.

Positive

• Secured new $6.5 million government contract for 5G ORAN deployment
• Project will transition to commercial network, creating additional revenue stream
• Strengthens position in government contracting with second military installation deployment
• Expands service offering through integration with Boost Mobile's 5G spectrum

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

This $6.5M contract marks a significant strategic advancement in military communications infrastructure. The deployment of Open RAN with RIC capabilities at Fort Bliss represents more than just a technical upgrade - it's a important step in the DoD's network modernization strategy. The key value proposition lies in the rapid spectrum-switching capability at the 5G control node, essential for mobile command post operations in contested environments.

The project's dual-use nature, serving both military and commercial purposes, enhances its economic viability. Building on the successful NASWI deployment, this implementation demonstrates EchoStar's growing foothold in military communications infrastructure. The focus on vendor-agnostic solutions and supply chain diversification aligns perfectly with recent defense authorization requirements, potentially positioning EchoStar for future military contracts.

Telecommunications Market Analyst

The contract's strategic importance extends beyond its monetary value. By implementing Open RAN architecture with RIC, EchoStar is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation network infrastructure. This technology allows for vendor-neutral hardware integration, potentially reducing long-term costs and increasing network flexibility. The commercial network aspect at Fort Bliss creates a sustainable revenue stream beyond the initial contract value.

The synergy between Hughes and Boost Mobile (both EchoStar subsidiaries) in this deployment demonstrates effective vertical integration, maximizing value capture across the supply chain. This project could serve as a reference model for future military-commercial hybrid networks, opening up additional revenue opportunities in both sectors.

$6.5M Contract Will Support Open RAN with a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) Experimentation for U.S. Department of Defense

DENVER, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EchoStar Corporation, (Nasdaq: SATS) today shared that its subsidiary Hughes Network Systems, LLC, was awarded a $6.5 million contract to deploy a 5G Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) prototype at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The network will feature a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), which will allow the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to test RIC-based software applications for military networks. The 5G Open RAN prototype equipment will be installed on Fort Bliss to operate a temporary network for evaluation purposes, which will then transition to serve as part of the Hughes commercial network supporting both DoD and commercial customers in and around Fort Bliss. The project is a joint effort of the U.S. Army, the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)).

"This contract award is an important step forward for the U.S. Department of Defense's efforts to develop next generation communications networks that can empower innovative applications," said Dan Rasmussen, senior vice president, North American Enterprise, Hughes Network Systems. "The EchoStar team is looking forward to collaborating with the U.S. Army to test and evaluate specific military use cases that leverage 5G ORAN and the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC). The Fort Bliss program will pave the way for further RIC exploration, enhancing network performance for both U.S. government and commercial applications."

Hughes will serve as the prime contractor, demonstrating, qualifying, and integrating a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) in the test network, which will also incorporate ORAN infrastructure, engineering expertise, and 5G spectrum from Boost Mobile, another EchoStar company.

The RIC, which acts as a platform for various software applications, will allow the DoD to test various RAN applications. The primary use case that the Fort Bliss prototype will test through the RIC is the ability to rapidly change spectrum at the 5G control node, a capability that has real world relevance to resilient communications for a mobile command post.

The scope of the Open RAN project at Fort Bliss is designed to meet key strategic milestones that support FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act requirements and DoD initiatives to diversify supply chain. It will also improve Army processes for enabling MNO access to installations. This initiative will serve as a testing ground for developing new Open RAN RIC tactical applications, developing footprints for other installations, and establishing a training site for both civilian and military technical staff. The Army will also evaluate policies and network architecture standards that leverage commercially interchangeable and vendor agnostic solutions to enhance the Army Unified Network.

The Fort Bliss program will build on EchoStar's expertise in ORAN, already demonstrated through a 5G ORAN installation deployed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), which was completed in 2023 and extended in March. The NASWI deployment improves aircraft readiness by enabling immediate, real-time communication and coordination across the flight line, reducing maintenance and turnaround time for jets on base.

To learn more about delivering secure communications, anytime, anywhere, please visit Hughes.com.

About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) is a premier provider of technology, networking services, television entertainment and connectivity, offering consumer, enterprise, operator and government solutions worldwide under its EchoStar®, Boost Mobile®, Boost Infinite, Sling TV, DISH TV, Hughes®, Hughesnet®, HughesON™, and JUPITER™ brands. In Europe, EchoStar operates under its EchoStar Mobile Limited subsidiary and in Australia, the company operates as EchoStar Global Australia. For more information, visit www.echostar.com and follow EchoStar on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn. 

About Hughes
Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for millions of consumers, businesses, governments, airlines, and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship internet service, Hughesnet®, connects millions of people across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers internet access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, mobile network operators and military customers. Hughes products and services have helped bring in-flight video and broadband to thousands of aircraft for over twenty years. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports approximately half a million enterprise sites with its portfolio of wired and wireless solutions including 5G Open RAN and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. To learn more, visit www.hughes.com or follow HughesConnects on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

©2024 EchoStar Corporation. Hughes, Hughesnet, DISH, and Boost Mobile are registered trademarks of one or more affiliate companies of EchoStar Corporation. 

 

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SOURCE EchoStar Corporation

FAQ

What is the value of EchoStar's (SATS) Fort Bliss 5G ORAN contract?

EchoStar's subsidiary Hughes Network Systems was awarded a $6.5 million contract for the Fort Bliss 5G ORAN deployment.

What will EchoStar (SATS) deploy at Fort Bliss in 2024?

EchoStar will deploy a 5G Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) prototype with a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

How will EchoStar's (SATS) Fort Bliss 5G network be used?

The network will initially be used for DoD evaluation purposes before transitioning to serve both DoD and commercial customers in and around Fort Bliss.

Which EchoStar (SATS) subsidiary will lead the Fort Bliss project?

Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar subsidiary, will serve as the prime contractor for the Fort Bliss 5G ORAN project.