Douglas M. Boulware and Anthony W. Romaniello

Abstract:

This report presents an analysis of aggregate Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) Spectrum Access System (SAS) data reported quarterly from April 1, 2021, to July 1, 2024. The data provide insights into the growth of CBRS, the impact of dynamic spectrum sharing, the role of General Authorized Access (GAA) usage, and CBRS’s role in rural and urban wireless connectivity. From April 1, 2021, to July 1, 2024, the number of active CBRS Devices (CBSDs) nationwide increased by 270,621 to 400,403. Over the same period, more CBSDs were deployed within Dynamic Protection Area (DPA)–impacted counties than non-impacted counties, increasing the number of active CBSDs in DPA-impacted counties to 198,864. The number of CBSDs with Priority Access License (PAL) grants grew to 114,682, but GAA CBSDs dominated deployments. On July 1, 2024, 71.4% of active CBSDs were GAA-only, 82.3% of active grants were GAA, 82.2% of CBSDs with a PAL also had at least one active GAA grant, and 67.5% of all active CBSDs were deployed in rural census blocks.

Keywords: spectrum utilization; spectrum management; spectrum sharing; Spectrum Access System (SAS); Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSD); Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS); 5G; rural connectivity; 3550–3700 MHz; cellular; urban connectivity

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

Back to Search Results