What is CBRS?

Citizens Broadband Radio Service

In 2015, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) adopted rules for shared commercial use of the 3550-3700 MHz band (3.5 GHz band). The Commission established the CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) and created a three-tiered access and authorization framework to accommodate shared federal and non-federal use of the band. Rules governing the Citizens Broadband Radio Service are found in Part 96 of the Commission’s rules.

The Wireless Innovation Forum and OnGo Alliance are some of the best places to learn more.

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*Unprotected means that if the network is congested
Tier 1 and 2 transaction have priority.
This has nothing to due with network security.

CBRS: How will shared spectrum change the future.

Wireless network operators, traditionally had only two choices for accessing spectrum:

Participate in an auction to buy spectrum from regulators, with the benefit of dedicated spectrum or unlicensed spectrum and develop your own radio and equipment. Both of these options cost lots of time and money.

But now, CBRS offers a third option: shared CBRS spectrum for anyone.

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CBRS Video explanation by the CBRS Alliance

What is CBRS?
CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service ‘CBRS Band 48’) is a publicly avilibe specturm in 3.5GHz to 3.7GHz and is commonly referred to as Band 48. For a complete chart of specturm access, Look Here…

It can be used to create Private LTE (long-term evolution) commonly referred to as 4G and IOT (Internet of Things) Networks in the US. Where 4G goes, 5G follows, CBRS band will also be ideal for private 5G deployments coming soon 2022.

CBRS is Band 48 specification of radio-frequency spectrum from 3.5GHz to 3.7GHz. The (FCC) Federal Communications Commission has designated this frequency for sharing among a three tier system:
TIER 1: Incumbent users (I), mostly made up of Navy Ships and Radar stations along the US coastline. They get full protected access.
TIER 1: Priority access licensees (PaL), these are gained by FCC auction. They get protected access from Gaa license Tier 3 users.
TIER 1: Generally authorized access (Gaa), which is lightly licensed. Open for public or private use. Full unprotected* spectrum access.

* Unprotected means that if the network is congested in transactions in milliseconds Tier 1 and 2 transaction have priority. This has nothing to due with network security.
What is the CBRS opportunity?
With the opening up of the CBRS band to the public, the FCC removed several key barriers to deploying small-scale LTE networks. It is now possible to deploy private LTE networks much more quickly and at a much lower cost than ever.
What does CBRS mean for the Telecom industry?
MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) and WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) are looking to enhance their user experience. Spectrum is the lifeblood of a mobile network. With more mobile devices more spectrum is needed. CBRS spectrum provides an opportunity to enhance small cell networks. This will increase overall network capacity speed bandwidth and range. MNOs are already using LAA (Licensed Assisted Access) for this purpose, and the expectation is that CBRS far exceeds the performance of LAA.
What are the new CBRS technology features.
- Integrated Security – Private networks that are only accessible by specific users. VPN and VLan at the core.
- Enhanced range – Unlike WiFi, CBRS technology allows high-speed mobility, seamless handovers, and longer signal ranges up to 50 miles, but most networks dont exceed 20 miles from one Base station to another.
- Capacity. Band 48 has a large bandwidth allowing a large number of EUs (End User) at the same time. EUs are devices like smartphones, computers, cameras, sensors. Read More…
- Optimized Network Services – networks can be customized and improved for services such as QoS, bandwidth, latency, etc. Read More…
- Interoperability. Devices are capable of communicating with each other, from all manufacturers on the Band 48 radio specifications. Read More…
- New wireless devices – most devices created after 2020 are already capable of using CBRS based SIM cards or eSIMs. Read More…

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