Verizon has inked a new deal with the US Department of Defense (DoD) to install a 5G tower on Oahu, Hawaii. The $1 million project aims to address the longstanding issue of poor connectivity in the area surrounding the Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s (Exchange) HMR Express.
The selected site, known as the ‘Dragon Tower,’ will house the 5G mobile tower, providing advanced communication services to approximately 2,000 service members and their families stationed at Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield. The Dragon Tower derives its name from its association with the 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion – Enhanced, whose insignia prominently features a dragon.
Verizon’s partnership with Helemano is centered on enhancing the quality of life for base personnel. Marta Lacroix, Associate VP of Network Engineering at Verizon, emphasized that the robust Verizon network will play a crucial role in ensuring continuous access to emergency services for those serving the country. Additionally, the network will facilitate seamless connectivity with loved ones.
The Dragon Tower represents the inaugural phase of a broader initiative, with plans to deploy a total of 13 5G towers across various US military bases in Hawaii. This strategic move aligns with Verizon’s commitment to bolstering its role as a key partner to the US military. Over the past two years, the telecommunications giant has secured contracts exceeding a billion dollars with the Department of Defense.
As technology continues to play an increasingly vital role in military operations, Verizon’s investment in 5G infrastructure is poised to significantly enhance communication capabilities for service members and their families, reinforcing the company’s position as a crucial ally to the US military.
