FCC Looking to Modernize CBRS, Seeks Comment on Increased Power Levels

WASHINGTON, August 19, 2024 – The Federal Communications Commission is looking to modernize its rules for its spectrum sharing framework. The agency sought comment Friday on a proposal to codify current means of preventing interference, among other changes, plus an open-ended inquiry into increasing power levels in the band.

The Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) used a tiered licensing system, with incumbent government users, priority license holders, and general access users sharing 150 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band.

Each tier gets preference over the one below it, meaning a general access user cannot, for example, interfere with a priority licensee. Priority licenses were auctioned in 2020, and companies like wireless broadband providers can use the spectrum for free on a general access basis.