NTIA's CBRS Study Notes Growth, Use of PAL and GAA Services
Earlier in May, NTIA release a report entitled, "An Analysis of Aggregate CBRS SAS Data from April 2021 to January 2023, NTIA Report 23-567," and then offered stakeholders the ability to comment on that report for the record. Today, we filed those comments with NTIA, applauding the agency for its detailed empirical analyses of CBRS.
Highlights of WISPA's comments also include:
- WISPA members noted that deploying CBRS enabled them to extend service to new areas, improve capacity on their networks, increase broadband speed, and relieve congestion in other bands.
- Of the estimated 335,000 Category CBSDs now registered, the vast majority are being used for fixed wireless access in rural areas.
- In a recent survey of WISPA’s operator members, approximately 65% of respondents that have deployed CBRS indicated that they were using both PALs and GAA to serve customers.
- In some cases, the CBRS equipment they use has enabled fixed broadband speeds of 400/100 Mbps.
- A WISPA member manufacturer noted its equipment is being used throughout rural America in Connect America Fund deployments.
- In addition to rural broadband deployments, a number of fixed wireless providers have partnered with school districts and other community anchor institutions to use GAA spectrum to provide reliable broadband service.
- Finally, WISPA urged NTIA to not be misled by mobile wireless interests alleging that “real-world studies show low utilization, low market demand, and a dearth of innovative use cases.”
About WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries
WISPA’s approximately 1000 members provide fixed broadband connectivity, and include equipment suppliers, support services, and other industry partners and stakeholders. Our members provide broadband access to millions of residential and business customers in rural, urban, and Tribal areas across America.
Contact
Mike Wendy
WISPA
202-763-5257
mwendy@wispa.org