As someone who has been closely involved with the impressive development of the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band, I am thrilled to share my thoughts on the fantastic enhancements that CBRS 2.0 brings to the table. This evolution of the shared spectrum framework is set to significantly expand where we can deploy and utilize private wireless networks, opening a world of possibilities for industry 4.0 use cases and wireless broadband connectivity for businesses and consumers.
Reliability and Availability Redefined: The CBRS 2.0 Promise
One of the most exciting aspects of CBRS 2.0 is the dramatic reduction in protection zones around incumbent users, primarily military radar sites. With the latest advancements in interference analysis techniques, we now have a more accurate understanding of the potential interference scenarios. This feature means that the vast majority of CBRS devices will no longer be subject to interruptions due to incumbent activity, ensuring more reliable and consistent connectivity.
The impact of these smaller protection zones is nothing short of remarkable. The geographic area that can benefit from reliable CBRS coverage expands from 78% to a whopping 97% of the country’s continental landmass. For indoor deployments under 6 meters, the percentage of the U.S. population that can enjoy uninterrupted CBRS connectivity skyrockets from 49% to an impressive 91%. These figures represent a massive leap forward in the availability and reliability of CBRS networks, making it a genuinely game-changing technology for a wide range of industries.
- The improved reliability and extended coverage of CBRS 2.0 make it an ideal solution for smart factories and industrial IoT applications. Manufacturers can deploy private networks to support autonomous robots, real-time asset tracking, and predictive maintenance systems without worrying about interference or connectivity issues.
- The expanded geographic coverage of CBRS 2.0 allows utility companies to deploy private networks across vast areas, supporting smart grid applications, remote monitoring, and field worker communications in previously underserved locations.
- With its extended coverage and reliability, CBRS 2.0 can support advanced fleet management systems, autonomous vehicle communications, and smart warehouse operations across large geographic areas.
Another advancement of CBRS 2.0 is the extended “heartbeat” capability. With this enhancement, CBRS devices can now operate for up to 24 hours without needing to reauthorize with a Spectrum Access System (SAS). This ability means smoother connections and less chance of disruptions, which is necessary for mission-critical applications like medical devices and telemedicine applications. This reliability is crucial in healthcare settings where continuous communication can be a matter of life and death.
Furthermore, CBRS 2.0 introduces a new voluntary coexistence mechanism that facilitates collaboration among General Authorized Access (GAA) users operating in the same geographic locations. This collaborative approach to spectrum sharing allows stakeholders to work together to prevent interference and ensure reliable and consistent CBRS services within their respective coverage areas. By promoting cooperation and dynamic adjustments based on real-time conditions, CBRS 2.0 takes spectrum efficiency to new heights, enabling system integrators, wireless internet service providers, and enterprises to plan their private cellular and fixed wireless access networks with more freedom and less disruption.
The CBRS Surge: Substantial Growth Ahead
The advancements in CBRS 2.0 are expected to accelerate market growth significantly. According to recent research, CBRS connections are expected to grow from 17 million in 2023 to 66 million in 2028. This rise is driven by the increasing demand for private 5G networks, the rising adoption of IoT devices, and the need for reliable, high-bandwidth connectivity across various industries.
With CBRS 2.0’s dramatic reduction in protection zones, we’re seeing a nearly 20% increase in areas no longer susceptible to being preempted by incumbent users. With this expansion, I expect substantial growth in the overall number of deployed CBRS sites – businesses and service providers will likely accelerate their adoption and rollout of CBRS networks. This increased deployment will contribute significantly to the projected surge in CBRS connections.
As enterprises increasingly recognize the value of private wireless networks in driving digital transformation, CBRS 2.0 is well-positioned to become a preferred technology for many organizations. Its ability to offer the benefits of 5G without the need for expensive spectrum licenses makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
Conclusion
The enhanced reliability, expanded coverage, and improved coexistence capabilities of CBRS 2.0 are set to unlock a wide array of innovative applications and services across various industries. The potential use cases are limitless, from enabling more resilient private wireless networks for energy and utilities to supporting high-bandwidth applications like wireless video streaming to the need for robust fixed wireless networks (FWA).
I firmly believe that CBRS 2.0 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of shared spectrum. I am eager to see how businesses, service providers, and system integrators will leverage these advancements to drive innovation and deliver superior wireless experiences. As we embrace this new era of spectrum utilization, I encourage everyone to explore the possibilities CBRS 2.0 brings and be part of this transformative journey.
To learn more about CBRS 2.0, listen to my interview with Preston Marshall, Chair of the OnGo Alliance.
