CBRS Demystified: A Guide to Vendors, Networks, and Ecosystem Growth
CBRS Spectrum & Regulatory Framework
The Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) utilizes the 3550–3700 MHz band, commonly referred to as the 3.5 GHz band. Under FCC Part 96, access is structured into three distinct tiers:
Incumbent Access: Reserved for primary users such as military radar systems and satellite ground stations.
Priority Access Licenses (PALs): Auctioned spectrum blocks, each 10 MHz, with a cap of 70 MHz per license area.
General Authorized Access (GAA): Unlicensed, opportunistic use of available spectrum when not occupied by higher-tier users.
The latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeks to:
Enhance protections for incumbent operations
Simplify Certified Professional Installer (CPI) certification processes
Improve spectrum coexistence with adjacent bands, including C-Band and 3.45 GHz
For full regulatory details, refer to [47 CFR Part 96][1][2].
WinnForum & OnGo Alliance: Define standards for SAS interoperability, device certification (OnGo), and hybrid neutral host/private network models.
RAN & Small cell Vendors
Key Players
Askey: Offers OnGo-certified CBRS small cells for both indoor and outdoor environments, featuring 2T2R and 4T4R MIMO configurations. Each device supports up to 64 simultaneous users and includes carrier-grade management capabilities. The portfolio also includes xCell NR/CBRS solutions, along with integrated gateways and routers for seamless connectivity.[3]
Celona: Enterprise-Grade CBRS/n48 access points designed for both indoor and outdoor environments, featuring 4T4R MIMO for enhanced throughput and coverage. Integrated with Celona Edge (Cloud EPC) for centralized orchestration and management. Supports MicroSlicing for application-aware network segmentation and ensures seamless interoperability across devices.[4]
Airspan: Comprehensive 4G, 5G, and CBRS portfolio featuring both macro and small cell platforms, equipped with Massive MIMO and advanced beamforming capabilities. Fully compliant with CBSD certification standards and designed for seamless integration across operator-grade and private network environments.[5]
Samsung, Nokia, Ericsson, Casa, CommScope, Baicells, Cambium, Sercomm, Zyxel: Scalable solutions for nationwide deployments and campus environments, featuring in-building DAS and outdoor small cell infrastructure. Supports advanced configurations including up to 8x8 MIMO and dynamic beamforming, optimized for mission-critical applications across enterprise and public sectors.
CBRS Spectrum Capabilities and Specifications
LTE/5G NR Band 48:
150 MHz TDD, supports carrier aggregation.
MIMO:
Most vendors offer 2T2R, 4T4R, up to 8T8R/massive MIMO for higher throughput and density.
Beamforming:
Products from Samsung, Airspan, Celona, Nokia support dynamic and multi-user beamforming, vital for mitigating interference and enhancing spectral efficiency in dense environments.
CBRS 2.0:
Enhanced features for industrial deployments (longer transmission windows; reduced exclusion zones), mission-critical use cases.[6]
Spectrum Access System (SAS) Vendors
Federated Wireless:
Dominant in US SAS management, large-scale CBRS deployments.
Google, Sony, Key Bridge, Amdocs, Nokia, CommScope, RED Technologies:
Offer full SAS cloud/on-prem support, ESC protection, secure spectrum management for neutral host/private/enterprise models.
Operator Deployments
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile:
Rural broadband, FWA, enterprise small cells, public venue coverage using CBRS LTE/5G.
Offer full SAS cloud/on-prem support, ESC protection, secure spectrum management for neutral host/private/enterprise models.
Comcast, Charter, Boingo Wireless:
Venue and hospitality Wi-Fi+CBRS hybrid, industrial IoT support, private network deployments.
Device and Chipset Support
Handsets:
Widespread CBRS Band 48 support—Apple iPhone XS onward, Samsung Galaxy S10+, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi.
Chipsets:
Qualcomm, MediaTek, Intel, and others enable 4G/5G CBRS for smartphones, MiFi hotspots, CPEs, tablets, IoT endpoints.
OnGo Certification:
Guarantees interoperability.
Major device vendors, CBSDs, and routers certified.
Conclusion
CBRS delivers resilient and adaptable shared spectrum access for U.S. operators and private enterprises, underpinned by a robust vendor ecosystem—including Askey, Celona, Airspan, Samsung, Nokia, Federated Wireless, Google, and others—and standardized by the mature frameworks of WinnForum and the OnGo Alliance. Adoption is accelerating across industrial, campus, venue, and carrier environments, fueled by technologies such as Massive MIMO, advanced beamforming, private 5G, and cloud-based SAS and edge orchestration. A rapidly growing portfolio of certified consumer and industrial devices continues to expand deployment possibilities.
