FORT MEADE — The Exchange is improving Quality of Life at Fort Meade with enhanced 5G connectivity through the post’s third cell tower, known as Brownell Tower.
A new tower was put in place April 1, laying the foundation for multicarrier coverage across the installation. The upgrade is expected to go on-air within 30 to 60 days, bringing stronger, more reliable connectivity to 64,000 service members and their families.
“Completion of the Brownell Tower project represents a significant upgrade to Fort Meade’s cellular network,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “This enhancement will improve the Quality of Life for service members and their families by delivering stronger, more reliable connectivity across the installation.”
The project is part of a broader initiative in accordance with the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to improve 5G connectivity across multiple installations. As mobile networks transition to 5G technology, a greater density of cell towers is required to support faster data speeds, low latency and increased network reliability.
“[This is] another phenomenal effort to increase throughput capacity for the devices and networks that we all have come to rely on in our daily lives,” said Fort Meade Deputy Garrison Commander Brian Foley. “This tower and the antennas are going to increase and improve the lives of the 64,000 people that live and work on this installation every day and the other 120,000 people who are supported as retirees and Veterans in the local Maryland community that come here to Fort Meade.”
As mobile device usage grows exponentially, networks require more bandwidth and faster speeds to keep pace. With more than 30 years of experience delivering telecommunications solutions, the Exchange has a long-standing record of providing reliable cellular infrastructure to military communities worldwide.
“For service members, families and personnel on Fort Meade, reliable connectivity is essential to daily life and mission readiness,” said Shalandrea Smith, Exchange advanced telecom division chief. “This project reflects a shared commitment among the community, installation leaders and the Exchange to deliver reliable connectivity where it matters most.”
The Exchange continues to partner with industry leaders to deliver telecommunications solutions that aim to improve the Quality of Life and support the unique needs of military communities. The Brownell Tower project reflects an ongoing partnership between the Exchange, Fort Meade leadership and Boingo Wireless, ensuring Fort Meade personnel receive consistent and reliable connectivity.
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