US, Georgia Sign Memorandum of Understanding on 5G Security

The future of the digital ecosystem requires more efficient technology to be able to overcome exploding traffic and better address security issues.

Georgia and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation for the fifth generation of communications infrastructures (5G).

The US Embassy to Georgia yesterday published the US-Georgia memorandum of understanding on 5G security.

“5G will enable a vast array of new applications, including the provision of critical services to the public, which will benefit our citizens and our economies.  Increased amounts of data on 5G networks will further interconnect the economies of the world, including the United States and Georgia, and facilitate cross-border services and commerce”, reads the memorandum.

The statement further emphasises the importance of collaboration and assistance to gradually meet the goals of the Memorandum of Understanding. 

One of such goals as listed in the memorandum is “protecting these next generation communications networks from disruption or manipulation and ensuring the privacy and individual liberties of the citizens of the United States, Georgia, and other countries, is of vital importance.”

Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said: “The signature of the 5G memorandum and its successful implementation further highlights the strategic partnership between Georgia and the US. It will also increase the US companies’ interest in Georgia. Moreover, the launch of new and up-to-date technologies will contribute to Georgia’s sustainable economic development.”

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Keith Krach, tweeted: “Congratulations to Georgia on joining the Clean Network alliance of democracies. Securing the country’s 5G infrastructure sends a signal to trusted companies and investors that Georgia is safe and open for business. I wish the people of Georgia a happy and healthy New Year.”

The Clean Network is a 2020 U.S. government-led program aiming to address what it describes as “the long-term threat to data privacy, security, human rights and principled collaboration posed to the free world from authoritarian malign actors”.

Read the full statement here