Carriers and other network operators should be able to offer some services using the Citizens Broadband Radio Service spectrum as soon as next year. Vendors have developed software to manage and assign CBRS spectrum dynamically, and are now in the certification process with the Federal Communications Commission.
The CBRS spectrum, bands 3550 MHz to 3700 MHz, will be allocated in three tiers. Tier 1 is for incumbent users, many of whom are fixed satellite service providers. Tier 2 will be licensed for commercial use – priority access licenses will be assigned through an auction process. Tier 3 will be generally available to any users who can deploy the spectrum without disrupting service in the two higher tiers.
