Ericsson Taps Ex-FCC Chief Simington for US 5G Defense Strategy

VIENNA, VA – January 13, 2026 – In a significant move highlighting the deepening ties between commercial telecommunications and U.S. national security, Ericsson Federal Technologies Group has appointed former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Nathan Simington as its new Director of Policy & Strategy. The appointment places a key architect of recent U.S. telecom security policy inside a major vendor actively vying to build the next generation of secure networks for the U.S. government and military.

Simington joins Ericsson Federal, the U.S. government-focused arm of the Swedish telecom giant, after a notable tenure at the FCC from 2020 to 2025. His role will be to guide the integration of advanced 5G and emerging 6G technologies into the nation's most sensitive defense and security frameworks, a task that directly aligns with his work as a regulator.

From Regulator to Industry Strategist

Simington’s transition from a top regulatory post to a strategic industry role underscores the critical importance of policy expertise in the high-stakes world of defense technology. During his time at the FCC, he was a prominent voice on national security matters, consistently advocating for measures to protect U.S. networks from foreign adversaries. He was a staunch supporter of the bipartisan Secure Equipment Act, which effectively banned equipment from Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE from U.S. networks, and often warned about the security risks posed by untrusted technology.

He famously characterized the millions of insecure wireless devices operating in the U.S. as a "ticking time bomb" for network security, urging for higher cybersecurity standards and potential technologies like radiofrequency (RF) fingerprinting to better track and secure devices. His public statements frequently pointed to China as a primary source of espionage and sabotage threats through technology, making his move to a company focused on providing secure alternatives a logical, if notable, step.

This appointment exemplifies the well-trodden path between government service and the private sector, but its timing is particularly crucial. As the U.S. government seeks to accelerate its adoption of commercial 5G technology, having a leader who intimately understands the regulatory landscape, security imperatives, and political dynamics in Washington is a significant strategic asset. Simington's deep background at both the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) provides Ericsson Federal with unparalleled insight into the government's priorities and procurement mindset.

The Race for Network Superiority

The context for Simington's appointment is the global race for technological dominance, a competition the U.S. government frames as essential for both economic prosperity and national security. The concept of "U.S. network superiority," a phrase used by Ericsson Federal CEO Christopher Ling, is central to the Department of Defense's modernization strategy. This strategy hinges on leveraging the rapid innovation of the commercial sector to give U.S. forces a decisive edge in communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

"As we confront a dual imperative: scale our government 5G networks to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge commercial advancements, while simultaneously shaping policies that secure decisive network superiority, Ericsson Federal is at the forefront of telecom innovation," said Christopher Ling in the company's announcement. "Only through this alignment can we effectively counter our adversaries, and Nathan Simington’s expertise strengthens our mission to build solutions that fortify the future of network security and national security."

The Pentagon's 5G strategy explicitly calls for adopting commercial technologies to enable capabilities like smart warehouses, augmented reality maintenance, and, most critically, enhanced command and control on the battlefield. The low latency and massive connectivity of 5G and 6G are seen as foundational for future military operations, which will be increasingly reliant on a vast network of sensors, drones, and AI-driven systems. Simington, who previously advocated for re-evaluating the Pentagon's own spectrum holdings to accelerate 5G expansion, now finds himself on the other side of the table, tasked with helping a private company meet those very defense needs.

Securing the Digital Supply Chain

A core pillar of U.S. telecommunications policy, and a central theme of Simington's regulatory career, has been securing the digital supply chain. Years of dependence on a globalized supply chain dominated by a few key players, including those with ties to adversarial governments, created significant national security vulnerabilities. In response, Washington has aggressively pushed for vendor diversity, domestic manufacturing, and open, interoperable network architectures.

Ericsson Federal's strategy appears tailor-made to address these concerns. The company heavily promotes its secure U.S. supply chain, anchored by the Ericsson USA 5G Smart Factory in Texas. This facility allows the company to market its products as "Made in the USA," a powerful differentiator in a market where the provenance of every microchip is under scrutiny. By manufacturing domestically, Ericsson can better assure its government clients of the integrity of its hardware, mitigating fears of hidden backdoors or compromised components.

Furthermore, the company's focus on "Open RAN-ready" infrastructure aligns with a major U.S. government initiative. Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) disaggregate network components, allowing providers to mix and match hardware and software from different vendors. This breaks the vendor lock-in of traditional network models and fosters a more competitive and resilient ecosystem. The NTIA's Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF), a multi-billion dollar program, is actively funding Open RAN development, signaling a clear policy direction that Ericsson Federal is positioning itself to follow.

Shaping the Future of Defense Communications

In his new capacity, Simington is tasked with more than just selling existing technology; he is charged with helping to shape the very policies that will govern the future of secure government communications. His stated mission is to accelerate the integration of 5G and 6G, explore the policy implications of cutting-edge technologies, and foster industry-wide collaboration.

"I am honored to join Ericsson Federal as Director of Policy & Strategy to help accelerate the integration of 5G and emerging 6G networks for the U.S. government and DoW," Simington stated. "Our mission is to drive U.S. network superiority by ensuring government networks scale with the adoption of commercial technology. I look forward to shaping policies that advance our national security and build a resilient communications future."

His role will involve navigating the complex intersection of federal procurement rules, spectrum allocation debates, and evolving cybersecurity standards. With his background, Simington is uniquely positioned to translate the DoD's operational requirements into actionable policy and product strategies for Ericsson, ensuring its offerings are not just technologically advanced but also compliant and competitive within the federal marketplace. This appointment solidifies the trend of commercial tech firms becoming indispensable partners in defining and executing national security strategy in the digital age.