A new study on private 5G networks highlights a clear trend: The Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is playing a central role in advancing U.S. manufacturing.
As manufacturers invest in automation, AI and reshoring, reliable connectivity has become essential infrastructure. Private 5G networks are increasingly meeting that need — and CBRS is the spectrum band making many of these deployments possible.
CBRS is driving private 5G adoption
Private 5G is rapidly gaining traction across U.S. manufacturing, and CBRS is at the center of that growth. According to the study:
- 75% of U.S. private 5G networks rely on CBRS
- The U.S. leads the world in private 5G deployments
- More than 2,500 private 5G networks are expected in manufacturing by 2032
- Over 85% of those networks will use CBRS spectrum
CBRS’s shared spectrum model lowers barriers to entry and allows manufacturers to deploy secure, high-performance networks tailored to their operations. This approach has helped position the United States as a global leader in private 5G innovation.
Enabling smarter, more efficient manufacturing
Manufacturers are using CBRS-based private 5G networks to modernize operations and unlock new capabilities on the factory floor. Common applications include:
- Automation and mobile robotics to streamline production
- AI-powered computer vision for real-time quality control
- Connected worker tools and AR systems to improve safety and productivity
- Predictive maintenance to reduce equipment failures and downtime
These use cases are already delivering measurable benefits. One manufacturer reduced unplanned downtime by 30% after deploying a CBRS-based private 5G network, addressing a challenge that costs U.S. manufacturers an estimated $50 billion annually.
More broadly, private 5G is helping manufacturers increase efficiency, improve flexibility and support the transition to more automated, data-driven operations.
Supporting reshoring and U.S. innovation leadership
Advanced connectivity is a key enabler of reshoring and domestic investment. As manufacturers bring operations closer to home, private 5G networks powered by CBRS are helping make those facilities more competitive and resilient.
The study finds that a majority of U.S. manufacturers are pursuing reshoring strategies, with connectivity playing a critical role in enabling productivity gains and cost efficiencies.
CBRS has also helped foster a strong domestic ecosystem of vendors, integrators and technology providers. This reflects its broader role as a uniquely American spectrum innovation that expands access while protecting incumbent users.
A proven model worth preserving
The study underscores the importance of stability in the CBRS band.
Manufacturers have made significant investments in CBRS-based networks. Changes to the band, such as reallocation or increased power levels, could introduce operational challenges, increase costs and disrupt ongoing automation efforts.
CBRS has proven to be an effective and widely adopted spectrum solution. As private 5G continues to scale, maintaining this successful framework will be critical to sustaining innovation and supporting the future of U.S. manufacturing.
