The Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) has revolutionized private networking and rural fixed wireless access (FWA) in the U.S., enabling companies like John Deere and Tesla to utilize the 3.5 GHz band for industrial modernization. However, recent proposals in the Build Back Better bill could disrupt this progress by potentially relocating users of the CBRS spectrum. This instability threatens private networks established by startups like Celona and could complicate operations for approximately 400,000 existing end users. The CBRS band—auctioned off by the FCC in 2020—has facilitated the growth of 4G and 5G networks, and any relocation could necessitate a costly process for small operators, like WISPA members, who have invested heavily in PAL licenses. As 5G private network spending may reach $800 million by 2027, concerns over CBRS spectrum changes could hinder future investments and development in the sector.
Source link
Share
Read more