The U.S. government has given the military permission to offer a big part of its airwaves to private companies to expand the country’s 5G wireless network system. Technology experts see the decision as an effort to keep up with other countries – notably China – in the race to deploy nationwide 5G.

5G is the next generation of high-speed wireless technology for the world. Experts say the system is expected to bring much higher internet speeds and reduce latency, or delays, in wireless processing operations.

Currently, 5G service remains limited in the United States. And most wireless devices now in use do not work with 5G. However, major U.S. wireless carriers are working to deploy the technology to as much of America as possible.

A June report by the Congressional Research Service noted that the U.S. had less available airwave capacity for 5G development as other countries. It said this is because the U.S. military controls so many of the usable frequencies necessary for 5G technology.

The mid-band spectrum currently supports important military operations such as air defense, missile and gunfire control, battlefield weapon locations and air traffic control, said Dana Deasy, chief information officer for the Department of Defense.

Deasy noted concerns about sharing the military spectrum with private companies. But, he said the Department of Defense was creating a spectrum changeover plan that would limit any effects on military operations.

The president of wireless industry group CTIA, Meredith Attwell Baker, welcomed the announcement in a statement. Opening up the mid-band spectrum for private operations “will enhance U.S. competitiveness” in the build out of 5G technology, Baker said.