The FCC has certified four Spectrum Access System (SAS) administrators - including CommScope, Federated Wireless, Google, and Sony - to pave the way for full commercial operations in the 3.55-3.7 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band. Last year, the FCC approved the four SAS administrators for initial commercial deployments. Today's action allows for full commercial use of the mid-band spectrum for broadband connectivity, 5G and other wireless technologies.
"The FCC has made it a priority to free up mid-band spectrum for advanced wireless services like 5G. And today, I'm pleased to announce the latest step to achieve that priority: the approval of four systems that will enable the 3.5 GHz band to be put to use for the benefit of American consumers and businesses," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. "As with all of our efforts to execute on the 5G FAST plan, we're pushing to get next-generation wireless services deployed in the 3.5 GHz band as quickly and efficiently as possible. I would like to thank Commissioner Mike O'Rielly for his leadership throughout this proceeding as well as the FCC staff and those in the private sector who have worked so hard to achieve this milestone."
Plans for CBRS band use include mobile, fixed wireless access, IoT, small cell deployments and in-building cellular and private LTE networks.
"Ruckus is a founding member of the CBRS Alliance, and CommScope has been in the spectrum management business for more than 40 years. This is truly a pivotal milestone for both CBRS and CommScope," said Mike Guerin, vice president of Integrated Solutions at CommScope. "After years of collaboration with industry and government on CBRS, CommScope is proud that our SAS has received FCC certification for full commercial deployment. We are the only company with a complete portfolio of CBRS solutions, and our certified partners are ready to work with customers to address use cases and business opportunities."