Experience the Radio Network of the future

While many companies are anticipating the new 5G network rollout, the FCC has quietly approved the use of a new frequency once used by the U.S. Department of Defense that could have a much more immediate impact on wireless broadband access for business. It’s called the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and it allows companies to build their own private LTE networks.

What does it mean for your company to have private LTE?

Private LTE will be a game-changer because until now, there hasn’t been a publicly available broadband network for use by private businesses. Wi-Fi has come a long way but it’s not designed for complex commercial operations. 

Private LTE networks can handle almost four times the bandwidth of conventional wifi with fewer access points needed to cover the same space. That means your company has comprehensive on-site coverage across every corner of your facility, without worrying about losing a signal. 

Accessing the radio frequency

The FCC has designed a three-tiered Citizens Broadband Radio Service sharing framework to ensure a successful rollout for commercial businesses. It is being marketed under the trade name “OnGo.”

The three-tiered framework will be managed through a Spectrum Access System (SAS) in order to protect higher-tier users from interference from lower tier users.

TIER ONE: Incumbent Access Only. This tier is specifically allocated to the Department of Defense and U.S. Naval Radar, who will receive permanent priority and site-specific protection. 

TIER TWO: Priority Access. This tier is available to organizations that pay a fee for a Priority Access License (PAL). These licenses will enable private LTE broadband for commercial enterprises, allowing better coverage and capacity.

TIER THREE: General Authorized Access (GAA). This tier covers the remainder of the spectrum and is available for general public use. 

How to set your company up on a private LTE

Setting your company up on a private LTE network involves obtaining FCC-licensed equipment. If you don’t want to go it alone (we don’t recommend it!), Commenco can help you access the frequency by obtaining, installing and maintaining the FCC-licensed equipment on your behalf. CBRS / Private LTE equipment must be installed by “OnGo” certified technicians, of which Commenco has two on staff with more to follow very soon.

One of the biggest barriers to a commercial private LTE network rollout is the availability of mobile devices that are compatible with the frequency. The majority of LTE devices on the market today are not designed to support CBRS frequencies, however, Motorola Solutions has just introduced the new SLN 1000 radio, which is the first two-way radio device that works on a CBRS/private LTE network. 

Radio has certainly come a long way!