As enterprises seek greater control, flexibility, and performance from their wireless networks, Private 5G has emerged as a powerful solution. But not all deployment models are created equal. Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is rapidly becoming the preferred path to private 5G in the U.S., offering secure, cost-effective, and scalable mid-band spectrum access without the traditional barriers of licensed models. In this FAQ, we explore 10 key reasons why CBRS stands out, making it the most accessible, enterprise-friendly option for building next-generation private wireless networks.
1. Why is CBRS the most accessible path to private 5G?
CBRS gives enterprises and system integrators direct access to licensed-grade spectrum through the FCC’s shared spectrum model. It accelerates deployment by avoiding auctions and long-term lease negotiations.
2. How does CBRS support enterprise ownership and control?
CBRS enables enterprises to own and operate their networks with full control over access policies, SLAs, security, and lifecycle management. This simplifies upgrades, prevents vendor lock-in, reduces dependence on carrier roadmaps, and supports evolving 5G needs.
3. How does CBRS reduce total cost of ownership (TCO)?
By providing direct spectrum access and full operational control, CBRS eliminates carrier fees, reduces upgrade costs, and enables long-term infrastructure optimization.
4. Why choose CBRS for dedicated on-premises coverage?
Operating in the 3.5 GHz mid-band, CBRS balances range and capacity. Its localized licensing model provides interference-protected coverage across factories, warehouses, campuses, hospitals, and remote facilities.
5. How does CBRS support mission-critical use cases?
CBRS meets strict mobility, latency, and throughput requirements for applications such as factory automation, port logistics, defense communications, healthcare, and smart cities. Private 5G architecture leverages mid-band spectrum, network slicing, QoS, and localized control to deliver secure, deterministic wireless performance.
6. How has CBRS 2.0 improved network reliability and coverage?
CBRS 2.0 expanded indoor availability to approximately 97%, up from 78%. A new 24-hour “heartbeat” interval allows devices to stay connected without frequent SAS reauthorization, improving resilience for time-sensitive and always-on applications.
7. What simplifies CBRS integration?
A growing ecosystem supports site surveys, deployment automation, testing, optimization, and cloud-based management. Fortress Solutions integrates these tools and services across the full lifecycle to help enterprises plan, deploy, and operate CBRS-based private 5G networks efficiently. With deep expertise in system integration, RAN deployment, and managed services, Fortress accelerates time to value and supports long-term performance.
8. How does the CBRS ecosystem contribute to deployment success?
The CBRS ecosystem includes 4G/5G radio vendors, device manufacturers, integrators, and cloud-native core providers. This diversity enables flexible, multi-vendor rollouts—unlike single-vendor or fully licensed models. More than 420,000 CBRS radios have been deployed across logistics hubs, factories, airports, utilities, schools, and rural broadband networks.
9. What happens to private 5G without CBRS availability?
Without CBRS, enterprises lose their most direct and affordable path to mid-band spectrum. They would need to lease spectrum from carriers or brokers, which is often cost-prohibitive for midsize and rural operators. Many existing devices support only CBRS band n48, so even modular systems would face costly transitions and potential downtime.
10. How does CBRS advance global spectrum strategies?
CBRS reflects a broader global shift toward shared and local spectrum models. Countries such as Germany, the UK, France, Japan, and Brazil are adopting similar frameworks to support enterprise deployments. Consistent U.S. investment in CBRS reinforces international strategies and positions U.S. enterprises to stay competitive.
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