by James E. Carroll
Verizon Business will install 5G and 4G LTE network upgrades at 35 U.S. Air Force bases across the country under the Air Force’s Offer to Lease (OTL) program. The network improvements will include C-Band carrier expansions, new macro cell towers, and small cell deployments, enhancing speed, bandwidth, and latency for personnel and nearby communities. These enhancements aim to support the diverse operational missions at each installation while improving connectivity for military families.
The bases included in this contract are located in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Washington D.C., Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. The agreement builds on Verizon’s previous OTL wins, including contracts secured in 2019, 2021, and 2023. This latest deal allows Verizon to deliver wireless upgrades to 72 Air Force bases nationwide, including its previous 5G Ultra Wideband deployment at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.
Verizon’s 5G technology supports critical digital transformation initiatives for the U.S. military. These include flight line test equipment, high-definition video for telemedicine, animated training simulations, and biometric identification using AI.
• Scope: Verizon will upgrade 5G and 4G LTE networks at 35 Air Force bases.
• Network Enhancements: C-Band carrier adds, macro builds, and small cells.
• Locations: Bases in 24 states and Washington D.C.
• Strategic Impact: Supports flight line testing, telemedicine, and AI-driven biometric security.
• Track Record: Verizon now involved in network upgrades for 72 U.S. Air Force bases.
“This is Verizon’s 7th OTL win out of 8 attempts, which serves as a testament to the trust the U.S. Air Force has in the strength and speed of our network, as well as the quality of the professional and managed services expertise they gain from our people,” said Maggie Hallbach, senior vice president, Verizon Public Sector.
