CBRS Takes Flight: 2024’s Groundbreaking Achievements in the Innovation Band

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As we conclude 2024, the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) ecosystem has achieved remarkable milestones, marked by the transformative launch of CBRS 2.0, groundbreaking deployments, and continued innovation across industries. The technology’s widespread adoption is demonstrated by the deployment of over 400,000 CBRS devices nationwide and 865 FCC-authorized end-user devices. This year showed the maturation of CBRS technology, with implementations ranging from major sporting events to manufacturing facilities and from broadcast studios to educational institutions. The introduction of CBRS 2.0 has not only significantly enhanced the reliability and effectiveness of the shared spectrum solution but has also instilled greater confidence among enterprises to deploy CBRS-based networks, driving significant momentum in adoption across private, fixed wireless, and neutral host implementations while new resources and case studies have provided valuable insights for implementers.

CBRS 2.0: A Game-Changing Evolution

The introduction of CBRS 2.0 in 2024 has transformed the industry’s approach to private wireless networks, catalyzing adoption across enterprises, system integrators, and service providers. This evolution, developed through collaboration between the OnGo Alliance and key government stakeholders, has delivered the reliability and consistency that mission-critical operations demand. The impact has been immediate and substantial: system integrators are increasingly recommending CBRS-based solutions for their enterprise customers, neutral host providers are accelerating their deployments in middleprise buildings, and fixed wireless operators are expanding their coverage into previously underserved markets. This surge in confidence stems from CBRS 2.0’s proven ability to deliver carrier-grade reliability while maintaining the cost-effectiveness and flexibility that made CBRS attractive from the start. The enhanced framework has resonated with industries requiring uninterrupted operations, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation, where the improved reliability metrics have made CBRS a compelling alternative to traditional wireless

  • Smaller Protection Zones: Advanced interference analysis techniques have significantly reduced protection areas around military radar sites, particularly for devices below 6 meters in height. This change has expanded CBRS availability, with indoor deployments below 6m now exempt from preemption in 97% of the country.
  • Extended Heartbeat Interval: Networks can now operate for up to 24 hours without SAS reauthorization, a substantial improvement from the previous five-minute requirement. This enhancement ensures more reliable and consistent service.
  • GAA Coexistence Framework: A new mechanism for reducing interference between General Authorized Access users has been implemented, enabling more efficient spectrum sharing through voluntary coordination.

Pioneering Deployments Showcase CBRS Versatility

The year 2024 witnessed multiple landmark deployments that highlighted CBRS’s adaptability across diverse sectors, from large-scale entertainment venues to manufacturing facilities and from media production to education. Interesting examples include:

  • Building on this momentum in the industrial sector, Toyota Material Handling implemented a private 5G network covering their 200,000-square-foot facility in Columbus, Indiana. The CBRS-based solution, featuring Ericsson’s Radio Dot System, has enabled advanced automation, artificial intelligence, and HD video analytics, setting new standards for smart manufacturing.
  • The media industry also embraced CBRS technology as Trinity Broadcasting Network partnered with Trilogy NextGen, Ericsson, and Microsoft to implement a private network that transformed their broadcast operations. Operating on the 3.5 GHz band, the solution has enabled wireless production workflows and innovative distribution methods for faith-based programming.
  • Demonstrating CBRS’s versatility beyond enterprise applications, InfiniG’s Mobile Coverage as a Service (MCaaS) implementation at Parkside Elementary in Murray, Utah, showed the technology’s potential in education. The solution, supported by AT&T, Intel, and T-Mobile, provides seamless mobile coverage and enables advanced learning tools, including AI-driven translation capabilities, proving that CBRS can enhance learning environments while bridging the digital divide.
  • At The Players Championship, Comcast Business and the PGA Tour implemented a hybrid private network combining indoor 5G and outdoor 4G coverage using CBRS spectrum. The deployment supported real-time video streaming, analytics, and behind-the-scenes coverage through four strategic radio installations, demonstrating the technology’s capabilities in demanding broadcast environments.

The year has also seen remarkable momentum in CBRS-based Neutral Host Network deployments in venues requiring seamless multi-carrier coverage. Universities across the United States have been early adopters, recognizing the technology’s potential to solve campus-wide connectivity challenges. Notable implementations include Arizona State University’s successful deployment at their University Services Building and the University of Virginia’s campus-wide solution for improved cellular coverage. In the hospitality sector, the Gale South Beach Hotel’s implementation demonstrated how CBRS-based neutral host solutions can transform guest connectivity while reducing deployment time significantly compared to traditional DAS systems.

The aviation sector has also emerged as a significant adopter of CBRS technology, with airports nationwide implementing innovative solutions to enhance operations and passenger experience. Miami International Airport is leading this transformation with comprehensive CBRS deployment, which enables applications from perimeter surveillance to automated maintenance systems. At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the impact extends beyond operational efficiency to significant cost savings, with expectations to reduce monthly mobile network operator bills by 50% through CBRS implementation. These successes across fields have sparked increased interest from other enterprises looking to provide cost-effective, carrier-grade cellular coverage for their facilities.

OnGo Alliance Events Unite and Inspire the Ecosystem

The OnGo Alliance hosted two significant member meetings in 2024, bringing together industry leaders and innovators:

The Chicago gathering in the spring brought together representatives from over 125 member companies and partners for an intensive examination of CBRS developments. Distinguished speakers from the Department of Defense, John Deere, GSMA, and the Small Cell Forum shared insights on deployment strategies and emerging use cases. The event featured the OnGo Alliance Awards for Excellence, recognizing outstanding achievements in rural broadband initiatives, private enterprise networks, and innovative infrastructure solutions.

The September gathering in Dallas, themed “OnGo Forward: CBRS, 5G, and Beyond,” showcased remarkable progress in private cellular network deployments. A highlight came from Google’s Andrew Clegg, who reported that CBRS 2.0 implementation had resulted in an 85% reduction in grant suspensions due to Department of Defense activity, marking a significant improvement in service reliability. The event also featured success stories from major deployments at airports, where Miami International and DFW International demonstrated innovative applications ranging from perimeter surveillance to automated maintenance systems.

Industry leaders shared compelling use cases across sectors, including Chevron’s implementation in remote operations and emerging opportunities in agriculture affecting 228,000 U.S. farms. A standout presentation from Ericsson demonstrated a 100,000-seat football stadium achieving comprehensive parking validation coverage with just four CBRS access points, illustrating the technology’s efficiency and scalability. The increased attendance and engagement at both meetings reflected the growing momentum of CBRS adoption across industries.

Expanded Resources and Knowledge Base

The OnGo Alliance enhanced its educational offerings with new resources. A few include:

Implementation Insights

Comprehensive case studies showcasing select deployments:

  • Gale South Beach Hotel: Demonstrated successful implementation of CBRS-based Neutral Host Network for superior guest connectivity
  • Miami International Airport: Showcased comprehensive digital transformation using CBRS for enhanced operations and passenger experience
  • Political Conventions: Detailed CBRS deployment at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions
  • Multi-User Dwelling: Novel implementation of Private LTE deployment with a blockchain-based billing system at a Texas building.

Continued updates to our eBook with new OnGo Success Stories for private LTE/5G networks across multiple enterprise verticals, neutral host networks, and fixed wireless networks.

Technical Resources

White Papers on critical topics

Multimedia Education

  • Enhanced podcast series featuring industry leaders and successful implementations, such as the Miami International Airport, with Johnathan Lewis, the Innovation Division Director for MIA, describing how they tapped into the CBRS band; and Dr. Preston Marshall, the Chairman of the OnGo Alliance and the Director of Wireless Standards and Policy at Google, discussing CBRS 2.0.  
  • Educational videos covering:
  • CBRS 2.0 coverage map
  • Infographics on CBRS 2.0 and agricultural applications

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, CBRS continues to prove its value as an innovative shared-spectrum solution. The successful implementation of CBRS 2.0, coupled with growing adoption across diverse sectors, positions the technology for an even broader impact. From enhancing public safety communications to enabling smart agriculture, CBRS is driving digital transformation across industries. The OnGo Alliance remains committed to fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and promoting the advancement of CBRS technology for the benefit of all stakeholders.

If you want to learn more about the OnGo Alliance, visit our website or contact us.

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