In April of last year, the FCC enacted rules for Citizen’s Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). As a result, existing wireless broadband services in 3650 – 3700 MHz are required to transition to the new CBRS rules. However, during the transition period from the old Part 90 rules to the new Part 96 CBRS rules, the existing users will receive protection from harmful interference due to the new uses of the band. To secure this protection, these grandfathered licensees will have to register their sites with the CBRS database administrator and secure a “protection zone” for their grandfathered operations.
While grandfathered users of the 3.65 GHz band, can continue to operate their networks in their current state for several years, there are many reasons why a grandfathered licensee would want to transition to the new CBRS rules now. At the heart of the CBRS rules, the FCC has required employment of a Spectrum Access System (SAS) to authorize and manage the use of CBRS spectrum. The SAS will protect higher tier operations, like grandfathered licensees, from interference and also maximize frequency capacity for all CBRS operators.
By connecting to a SAS before the grandfather period expires, existing users can:
- Continue to deploy networks and related services
- Ensure interference free operations
- Access up to 5x the amount of spectrum allowed under the current regime
With a SAS connection, users can continue to expand and evolve their networks and related services; for example, moving or adding a new radio outside their current protection zone. Additionally, connection to the SAS would provide interference free managed access to spectrum resources ensuring high service levels. Lastly, connecting to a SAS will enable revenue opportunities that exist thanks to to increased amounts of spectrum as well as access to a growing CBRS ecosystem alliance of suppliers.
Federated Wireless can help you understand what options exist for you within the 3.65 GHz band. If you want to learn more, contact us today.
