The Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), known as America’s Innovation Band, has become a vital resource for wireless connectivity across the country. Its unique spectrum-sharing model allows businesses, schools, manufacturers and broadband providers to access valuable mid-band spectrum without relying solely on exclusive licenses.
A report from New America highlights just how extensively CBRS users depend on General Authorized Access (GAA), the band’s shared spectrum tier. As proposals to increase power limits threaten to disrupt this successful model, the findings underscore the importance of preserving access to the spectrum supporting American innovation.
96.3%
Of CBRS devices rely on shared spectrum
Nearly all active CBRS base stations and other registered devices use GAA spectrum, including many operated by priority license holders. This widespread reliance demonstrates how shared access supports network capacity and connectivity across a diverse range of industries.
63.2%
Of CBRS devices operate exclusively on shared spectrum
Nearly two-thirds of CBRS devices use only GAA channels, without relying on priority licenses. This shared-access model lowers barriers to entry, enabling smaller providers, businesses and institutions to deploy wireless networks without purchasing spectrum at auction.
320 Times
Proposed increase in CBRS power limits
Proposals from national mobile carriers would allow certain CBRS operations at power levels up to 320 times higher than current limits. New America warns that substantially higher power levels would reduce shared spectrum availability and could disrupt existing networks serving manufacturers, airports and rural wireless internet providers.
Source: New America
