The Future of Wireless

Nicholas Nilan, associate director for Verizon Wireless, spoke about 4G LTE wireless technology use in government at the chapter's January luncheon at the Fort Bragg Club. A capacity crowd flooded the Iron Mike Room to hear Nilan discuss the future of 4G LTE wireless technologies and their implementation for various applications for federal government users. Nilan set the tone by recounting the past and present of wireless technology. He then set the stage for the future of wireless—4G LTE—and discussed the potential and challenges this technology holds for consumers in both public and private sectors. Nilan cited various examples of how 4G wireless technology is being used today in government-based applications, such as video monitoring and surveillance, telemetry reporting, video conferencing and collaboration, as well as large data file sharing and consumption. He further discussed key verticals, such as healthcare and manufacturing, which have latched on to the technology and are seeing cost savings and significant return on investment. He further explained the role reversal that has occurred between government and private industry. “It used to be that government and military were drivers of technology and its use,” Nilan said. “They were the early adopters of technology, which later filtered to civilians. Now we're seeing a fundamental shift in that model. Now consumers are driving technology adoption, such as 4G wireless, and government is struggling to catch up.” Nilan stressed the importance of government, especially the military, to consider the positive impact mobility, especially the advent of 4G, can have on both uniformed and civilian work force. He said they must embrace the technology faster and can do so without compromising federal government's most fundamental element: security. Nilan said in an era where budgets are tightening and resources are fewer, the need for government to spearhead mobility technology adoption is paramount.

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