The wireless industry just achieved a major milestone, but these events have gone relatively unnoticed. On April 28, the FCC finalized its rules for the Citizens’ Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) opening 150 MHz of spectrum for shared use by commercial entities in the 3.5 GHz band and ushering in what is perhaps the most significant spectrum regulation in decades. Last week week Federated Wireless, along with other industry players, officially began the certification process with the FCC for our Spectrum Access System (SAS), the keystone of the CBRS band.
The innovative three-tier shared spectrum model adopted by the FCC is poised to provide benefits that far exceed what has been achieved with other wireless bands. It will increase the speed, capacity and adaptability of wireless networks, leading to a better mobile broadband experience for users. In addition, shared spectrum will be applied widely to enterprise and industrial applications, advancing manufacturing, energy and healthcare, and fueling the next cycle of wireless innovation and the growth of the U.S. economy. All the while, access to the band by federal incumbents is fully ensured, supporting their ongoing and essential national defense missions.
Federated Wireless’ Spectrum Access System (SAS) provides access to the real-time management of shared spectrum. Once approved, our CINQ XP platform – a cloud-hosted data analytics and intelligence solution – will make it easy for wireless carriers to extend the allocation and management of spectrum resources and enable 5G, the next generation of mobile communications.
Federated Wireless has been integral in paving the way to commercial use of the 3.5 GHz band, as we were responsible for much of the advocacy that led to the FCC’s Report and Order. We believe that this will lead to future 5G applications through a massive increase in the reach, capacity, and resiliency of wireless networks.
Last week, the FCC posted a blog recognizing the momentum behind the 3.5 GHz band. These recent milestones represent significant progress toward putting 3.5 GHz band spectrum to use to improve connectivity for everyone. Federated Wireless is proud to be a part of this important innovation.