MidWave Wireless deploys Project Fortis, a nationwide resilient communications network using licensed 1.4 GHz/1.7 GHz MANET technology to complement LTE and 5G for critical infrastructure
Executive summary: MidWave Wireless announced the launch of Project Fortis™, a nationwide resilience network built on military-proven MANET technology operating in licensed 1.4 GHz and 1.7 GHz spectrum, designed to complement existing LTE and 5G services for critical communications. The network aims to improve reliability and security of communications for public safety, defense, and essential services, addressing growing concerns about infrastructure resilience.
Who is involved: MidWave Wireless (developer), U.S. federal and state public safety agencies (potential users), and spectrum regulators (e.g., FCC) overseeing the licensed bands.
Likely next: Rollout of initial deployment sites across key regions, followed by performance evaluations and potential expansion to additional municipalities and federal sites.
MidWave Wireless announced the launch of Project Fortis™, a nationwide resilience network built on military-proven MANET technology operating in licensed 1.4 GHz and 1.7 GHz spectrum, designed to complement existing LTE and 5G services for critical communications. The initiative seeks to enhance reliability and security for public safety, defense, and essential services amid growing concerns about infrastructure resilience. Deployment will begin with pilot sites in key regions, followed by performance assessments and potential expansion to additional municipalities and federal agencies.
Timeline
- — MidWave Wireless Launches Deployment of Project Fortis™, a Nationwide Resilience Network for Critical Communications (PR Newswire)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- FCC to review compliance of Project Fortis spectrum use by Q4 2026
- Pilot testing with first responder agencies scheduled for September 2026
- MidWave to announce expansion contracts with two state emergency management offices by early 2027
Sectors affected
- Public safety communications
- Defense and homeland security
- Telecom infrastructure providers
Regulatory implications
- FCC Part 90 licensing for 1.4 GHz/1.7 GHz bands
- Potential NTIA coordination for federal spectrum sharing
- Possible future FirstNet integration requirements
Historical parallels
- FirstNet nationwide public safety broadband launch (2017)
- DARPA’s Tactical Radio Network (TRN) program (2000s)