Annual spending on LTE and 5G-based CBRS network infrastructure will account for more than $1.5 billion by the end of 2026 (2027). So says SNS Telecom & IT, promoting new research on the topic, timed to release with the CBRS hullabaloo at MWC in Las Vegas this week. (See news from Cox, SOLiD, InfiniG, and Celona.) SNS reckons annual spending on LTE and 5G NR radio, core, and transport infrastructure will account for nearly $900 million by the end of 2023. Increasing availability of Band 48/n48 devices will see it jump at a compound rate (CAGR) of 20 percent per annum through the end of 2026, it calculates.
The firm claims to have covered off a bunch of aspects (everything) in its CBRS forecast, including: drivers, blockers, trends, roadmap, models, applications, standards, regulation, case studies, plus all the runners and riders. The report presents a database of over 800 LTE/5G NR-based CBRS network engagements, plus a forecast for LTE/5G infrastructure and terminal sales through to 2030. A statement said: “Much of this growth will be driven by private cellular, neutral host, and fixed wireless broadband deployments, as well as 5G buildouts aimed at improving the economics of cable operators’ MVNO services.”
It suggested the CBRS model has “spurred the entry” of various new players, including Ballast Networks, BearCom, Betacom, Celona, InfiniG, and Kajeet. Usefully, it broke out various CBRS use cases, with references to prominent projects against each. These cover public network densification, fixed wireless broadband access, neutral host networks, and private networks. These have been included below, quoted in full; note, the list of private LTE/5G examples is comprehensive.
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Mobile Network Densification
Verizon has progressively rolled out CBRS spectrum for its LTE service across thousands of cell sites and is in the final stage of activating 5G NR-equipped CBRS small cells to supplement its existing 5G service deployment over C-band and mmWave (Millimeter Wave) spectrum. Claro Puerto Rico and several other mobile operators are also using CBRS to expand the capacity of their networks in high-traffic density environments.
Fixed Wireless Broadband
Frontier Communications, Mediacom, Midco, Nextlink Internet, Mercury Broadband, Surf Internet, Cal.net, IGL TeleConnect, OhioTT and MetaLINK are some of the many WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) that have deployed 3GPP-based CBRS networks for fixed wireless broadband services in rural and underserved markets with limited high-speed internet options.
New Mobile Networks
Comcast and Charter Communications are leveraging their licensed CBRS spectrum holdings to install RAN infrastructure for targeted wireless coverage in strategic locations where subscriber density and data consumption is highest. The CBRS network build-outs are aimed at improving the economics of the cable operators’ MVNO services by offloading a larger proportion of mobile data traffic from host networks.
Neutral Host Networks
Among other neutral host CBRS network installations, social media and technology giant Meta has built an in-building wireless network – using small cells operating in the GAA tier of CBRS spectrum and MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network) technology – to provide reliable cellular coverage for mobile operators Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile at its properties in the United States.
Private Cellular Networks
The availability of CBRS spectrum is accelerating private LTE and 5G network deployments across a multitude of vertical industries and application scenarios, extending from localized wireless systems for geographically limited coverage in factories, warehouses, airports, rail yards, maritime terminals, medical facilities, office buildings, sports venues, military bases and university campuses to municipal networks for community broadband, distance learning and smart city initiatives. Some notable examples of recent and ongoing deployments are listed below.
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Education | Higher education institutes are at the forefront of hosting on-premise LTE and 5G networks in campus environments. Texas A&M University, Purdue University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, Cal Poly, Virginia Tech, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Stanislaus State, West Chester University and Howard University are among the many universities that have deployed cellular networks for experimental research or smart campus-related applications. Another prevalent theme in the education sector is the growing number of private LTE networks aimed at eliminating the digital divide for remote learning in school districts throughout the United States.
Governments & Municipalities | The City of Las Vegas is deploying one of the largest private cellular networks in the United States, which will serve as an open connectivity platform available to local businesses, government, and educational institutions for deploying innovative solutions within the city limits. Local authorities in Tucson and Glendale (Arizona), Santa Maria (California), Longmont (Colorado), Shreveport (Louisiana), Montgomery (Alabama), and Dublin (Ohio) and several other municipalities have also deployed their own private wireless networks using CBRS spectrum.
Healthcare | During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, regional healthcare provider Geisinger took advantage of CBRS spectrum to deploy a private LTE network for telemedicine services in rural Pennsylvania while Memorial Health System utilized a temporary CBRS network to provide wireless connectivity for frontline staff and medical equipment in COVID-19 triage tents and testing facilities at its Springfield (Illinois) hospital. Since then, healthcare providers have begun investing in CBRS-enabled private wireless networks on a more permanent basis to facilitate secure and reliable communications for critical care, patient monitoring and back office systems in hospital campuses and other medical settings.
Manufacturing | German automotive giant BMW has deployed an industrial-grade 5G network for autonomous logistics at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. Rival automaker Tesla is migrating PROFINET/PROFIsafe-based AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) communications from Wi-Fi to private 5G networks at its factories. Agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere is installing private cellular infrastructure at 13 of its production facilities. Dow, another prominent name in the U.S. manufacturing sector, has adopted a private LTE network to modernize plant maintenance at its Freeport chemical complex in Texas. FII (Foxconn Industrial Internet), Del Conca USA, Logan Aluminum, OCI Global, Schneider Electric, Bosch Rexroth, CommScope, Ericsson, Hitachi and many other manufacturers are also integrating private 4G/5G connectivity into their production operations.
Military | All branches of the U.S. military are actively investing in private cellular networks. One noteworthy example is the U.S. Navy’s standalone private 5G network at NAS (Naval Air Station) Whidbey Island in Island County (Washington). Operating in DISH Network’s licensed 600 MHz and CBRS spectrum, the Open RAN-compliant 5G network delivers wireless coverage across a geographic footprint of several acres to support a wide array of applications for advanced base operations, equipment maintenance and flight line management.
Mining | Compass Minerals, Albemarle, Newmont and a number of other companies have deployed 3GPP-based private wireless networks for the digitization and automation of their mining operations. Pronto’s off-road AHS (Autonomous Haulage System) integrates private cellular technology to support the operation of driverless trucks in remote mining environments that lack coverage from traditional mobile operators.
Oil & Gas | Cameron LNG has recently implemented a private LTE network for industrial applications at its natural gas liquefaction plant in Hackberry (Louisiana). Chevron, EOG Resources, Pioneer Natural Resources and Oxy (Occidental Petroleum Corporation) are also engaged in efforts to integrate LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS network equipment into their private communications systems.
Retail & Hospitality | Private cellular networks have been installed to enhance guest connectivity and internal operations in a host of hotels and resorts, including the Sound Hotel in Seattle (Washington), Gale South Beach and Faena Hotel in Miami (Florida), and Caribe Royale in Orlando (Florida). The American Dream retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford (New Jersey) and regional shopping mall Southlands in Aurora (Colorado) are notable examples of early adopters in the retail segment.
Sports | The NFL (National Football League) is utilizing CBRS spectrum and private wireless technology for coach-to-coach and sideline (coach-to-player) communications during football games at all 30 of its stadiums. HSG (Haslam Sports Group) and other venue owners have installed 3GPP-based private wireless infrastructure at stadiums, arenas and other sports facilities for applications such as mobile ticket scanning, automated turnstiles, POS (Point-of-Sale) systems, digital signage, immersive experiences, video surveillance, crowd management and smart parking. FOX Sports and ARA (American Rally Association) have employed the use of private 4G/5G networks to support live broadcast operations.
Transportation | Private cellular networks have been deployed or are being trialed at some of the busiest international and domestic airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, DFW (Dallas Fort Worth), Dallas Love Field and MSP (Minneapolis-St. Paul), as well as inland and maritime ports such as SSA Marine’s (Carrix) terminals in the ports of Oakland and Seattle. Other examples in the transportation segment range from on-premise 4G/5G networks at Amazon’s FCs (Fulfillment Centers), CalChip Connect’s Bucks County distribution center and Teltech’s Dallas-Fort Worth warehouse to Freight railroad operator’s private LTE network for rail yard workers at its outdoor rail switching facilities.
Utilities | Major utility companies spent nearly $200 Million in the CBRS PAL auction to acquire licenses within their service territories. Southern Linc, SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric), SCE (Southern California Edison) and Hawaiian Electric are using their licensed spectrum holdings to deploy 3GPP-based FANs (Field Area Networks) in support of grid modernization programs while Duke Energy has installed a private LTE network operating in the unlicensed GAA tier of CBRS spectrum. Among other examples, Enel has deployed a CBRS network for business-critical applications at a remote solar power plant.
Other Verticals | LTE and 5G NR-ready CBRS networks have also been deployed in other vertical sectors, including agriculture, arts and culture, construction and forestry. In addition, CBRS networks for indoor wireless coverage enhancement and smart building applications are also starting to be implemented in office environments, corporate campuses and residential buildings. Prominent examples include the Cabana Happy Valley residential complex in Phoenix (Arizona) and Rudin Management Company’s 345 Park Avenue multi-tenant commercial office building in New York City.
