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August 26, 2016

Shared Spectrum 2.X

We have looked at 3.5 GHz Band several times over the years. To the point where we share the joke with the punch line, “there has to be a pony in here somewhere.”

To be fair, the problem is not the spectrum, it’s the issues associated with business models.

We did not want to miss the announcement of the CBRS Alliance, which includes Federated Wireless, Google, Intel, Nokia, Qualcomm and Ruckus Wireless.

What makes this different?
The first answer is: “last April, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules for CBRS, which opens 150 MHz of spectrum (3550-3700 MHz) for commercial use. Because spectrum access is actively coordinated based on priority and granular location, it becomes possible for regulators to make previously allocated spectrum available to new entrants and services while providing necessary protections for incumbent users of the band.”

The second is: the formation of the alliance brings together a new set of partners in this mix and more importantly a new perspective on managing the shared spectrum as if it was part of an open RAN.

“The CBRS Alliance aims to further build a robust group of industry participants and make shared spectrum solutions as widely available as possible. For example, private enterprises, venues and fixed operators could autonomously deploy high-quality in-building LTE networks into which all mobile network subscribers can roam. Operators will benefit from a greatly expanded footprint and capacity of the new spectrum, while subscribers will enjoy a consistent wireless broadband experience, particularly in challenging high user density indoor locations such as, universities, schools, airports, stadiums and corporate campuses.”

Finally, using a Federated Wireless solution (which looks like a cognitive radio solution) they have “signed several commercial incumbents to trial agreements and partnerships to use the CINQ XP  platform, which includes it’s Spectrum Access System (SAS) and Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC), currently under review for final certification and interoperability verification with the FCC.”

The bottom line is, the coalition of the wireless willing seems to be expanding and has found the way to execute on the dream of shared spectrum. 




Edited by Ken Briodagh


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