

After many years of regulatory, standardization and technical implementation activities, the United States' dynamic, three-tiered, hierarchical framework to coordinate shared use of 150 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) band has finally become a commercial reality. Although the shared spectrum arrangement is access technology neutral, the 3GPP cellular wireless ecosystem is at the forefront of CBRS adoption given the desirability of mid-band spectrum for both LTE and 5G NR network buildouts due its optimal blend of propagation characteristics and capacity.
Following authorization of FCD (Full Commercial Deployment) by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and completion of the recent PAL (Priority Access License) auction, LTE-based CBRS network deployments are beginning to gain considerable momentum, with thousands of operational cell sites throughout the United States to support use cases as diverse as mobile network densification, FWA (Fixed Wireless Access), neutral host infrastructure, and private cellular networks for enterprises and vertical industries. In the coming years, we also anticipate the rollout of 5G NR network equipment operating in the CBRS band, which will lay the foundations for advanced application scenarios with more demanding performance requirements in terms of throughput, latency, reliability, availability and connection density – for example, industrial IoT applications such as connected production machinery, mobile robotics, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AR (Augmented Reality)-assisted troubleshooting.
The CBRS market remains largely unfazed by the economic disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the exception of certain enterprise and vertical submarkets. SNS Telecom & IT estimates that annual investments in LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS RAN (Radio Access Network) infrastructure will account for more than $300 Million by the end of 2020. Complemented by an expanding selection of CBRS-equipped end user devices, the market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 52% between 2020 and 2023 to surpass $1 Billion in annual spending by 2023.
The “LTE & 5G NR-Based CBRS Networks: 2020 – 2030 – Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts” report presents a detailed assessment of the market for LTE and 5G NR in CBRS spectrum including the value chain, market drivers, barriers to uptake, enabling technologies, key trends, future roadmap, business models, use cases, application scenarios, standardization, regulatory landscape, case studies, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also provides forecasts for LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS RAN infrastructure and terminal equipment from 2020 till 2030. The forecasts cover two air interface technologies, two cell type categories, five device form factors, seven use cases and ten vertical industries.
The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report.
Key Findings
The report has the following key findings:
The CBRS market remains largely unfazed by the economic disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the exception of certain enterprise and vertical submarkets. SNS Telecom & IT estimates that annual investments in LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS RAN infrastructure will account for more than $300 Million by the end of 2020.
Complemented by an expanding selection of CBRS-equipped end user devices, the market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 52% between 2020 and 2023 to surpass $1 Billion in annual spending by 2023.
LTE-based CBRS network deployments are beginning to gain considerable momentum, with thousands of operational cell sites throughout the United States to support use cases as diverse as mobile network densification, FWA, neutral host infrastructure, and private cellular networks for enterprises and vertical industries.
We expect initial rollouts of 5G NR network equipment in the CBRS band to commence in 2021, paving the way for industrial IoT and other advanced application scenarios with demanding performance requirements in terms of throughput, latency, reliability, availability and connection density.
Topics Covered
The report covers the following topics:
Introduction to LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS networks
Value chain and ecosystem structure
鶹ԭ drivers and challenges
Technical aspects including CBRS spectrum sharing rules, system architecture, functional elements, core network integration and security
Key trends such as mobile network densification, LTE and 5G NR-based fixed wireless broadband rollouts, neutral host small cell infrastructure for a variety of venues, and the growing prevalence of private cellular networks to support enterprise and industrial IoT applications
Future roadmap of LTE and 5G NR in CBRS spectrum
Business models, use cases and application scenarios
Standardization, regulatory and collaborative initiatives
Case studies of LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS network deployments
Profiles and strategies of more than 270 ecosystem players
Strategic recommendations for LTE and 5G NR equipment suppliers, system integrators, service providers, enterprises and vertical industries
鶹ԭ analysis and forecasts from 2020 till 2030
Forecast Segmentation
鶹ԭ forecasts are provided for each of the following submarkets and their subcategories:
CBRS RAN Infrastructure
Air Interface Technologies
LTE
5G NR
Cell Types
Indoor Small Cells
Outdoor Small Cells
Use Cases
Mobile Network Densification
FWA (Fixed Wireless Access)
Cable Operators & New Entrants
Neutral Hosts
Private Cellular Networks
Offices, Buildings & Corporate Campuses
Vertical Industries
Vertical Industries for Private Cellular Networks
Manufacturing
Transportation
Utilities
Mining
Oil & Gas
Healthcare
Education
Retail & Hospitality
Government & Municipalities
Other Verticals
CBRS Terminal Equipment
Air Interface Technologies
LTE
5G NR
Form Factors
Smartphones & Handheld Terminals
Mobile & Vehicular Routers
Fixed CPEs (Customer Premises Equipment)
Tablets & Notebook PCs
IoT Modules, Dongles & Others
Key Questions Answered
The report provides answers to the following key questions:
How big is the opportunity for LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS networks?
What trends, drivers and challenges are influencing its growth?
What will the market size be in 2023, and at what rate will it grow?
Which submarkets will see the highest percentage of growth?
What are the business models, use cases and application scenarios for CBRS networks?
How does the integration of CBRS spectrum relieve capacity constraints faced by traditional mobile operators?
What opportunities exist for cable operators, neutral hosts, niche service providers and other new entrants?
How will CBRS accelerate the uptake of private cellular networks for enterprises and vertical industries?
What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CBRS network buildouts?
When will 5G NR-based CBRS network equipment begin to be deployed in large volumes?
What are the prospects of non-3GPP technologies in CBRS spectrum?
Who are the key ecosystem players, and what are their strategies?
What strategies should CBRS equipment suppliers, system integrators, service providers and other stakeholders adopt to remain competitive?
1 Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Executive Summary
1.2 Topics Covered
1.3 Forecast Segmentation
1.4 Key Questions Answered
1.5 Key Findings
1.6 Methodology
1.7 Target Audience
1.8 Companies & Organizations Mentioned
2 Chapter 2: An Overview of LTE & 5G NR-Based CBRS Networks
2.1 Spectrum: The Lifeblood of the Wireless Communications Industry
2.1.1 Traditional Exclusive-Use Licensed Spectrum
2.1.2 CBRS Shared Spectrum
2.2 How CBRS Spectrum Differs From Traditional Licensed Frequencies
2.2.1 Exclusive vs. Shared Use
2.2.2 License Fees & Validity
2.2.3 Network Buildout & Service Obligations
2.2.4 Power Limits & Other Restrictions
2.3 Why Utilize CBRS Spectrum for LTE & 5G NR Networks?
2.3.1 Alleviating Capacity Constraints on Mobile Operator Spectrum
2.3.2 New Business Models: Neutral Host, Enterprise & Private Cellular Networks
2.3.3 Resurgence of FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) Services
2.4 The Value Chain of LTE & 5G NR-Based CBRS Networks
2.4.1 Chipset & Enabling Technology Specialists
2.4.2 Terminal OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
2.4.3 LTE & 5G NR Infrastructure Suppliers
2.4.4 Wireless Service Providers
2.4.4.1 Mobile Operators
2.4.4.2 Fixed-Line Service Providers
2.4.4.3 MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators)
2.4.4.4 Towercos (Tower Companies)
2.4.4.5 Neutral Hosts
2.4.4.6 Private Network Operators
2.4.5 End Users
2.4.5.1 Consumers
2.4.5.2 Enterprises & Vertical Industries
2.4.6 Other Ecosystem Players
2.5 鶹ԭ Drivers
2.5.1 Continued Growth of Mobile Data Traffic
2.5.2 New Revenue Streams: FWA, IoT & Vertical-Focused Services
2.5.3 Private & Neutral-Host Network Deployments
2.5.4 CBRS Shared Spectrum Availability
2.5.5 Lower Cost Network Equipment & Installation
2.5.6 Expanding Ecosystem of Compatible Devices
2.6 鶹ԭ Barriers
2.6.1 Cell Site Deployment Challenges
2.6.2 Restricted Coverage Due to Transmit Power Limits
2.6.3 Interference & Congestion Concerns for GAA (General Authorized Access)
2.6.4 Competition From Non-3GPP Technologies
2.6.5 Economic & Pandemic-Related Factors
3 Chapter 3: Technical Aspects of CBRS Networks
3.1 Dynamic Three-Tiered Sharing
3.2 Air Interface Technologies for CBRS
3.2.1 LTE & 5G NR
3.2.2 Other Technologies
3.3 CBRS Spectrum
3.3.1 3.5 GHz (3550-3700 MHz) CBRS Band
3.3.2 Technical Rules for Shared Commercial Use
3.3.3 3GPP-Defined Bands to Support LTE & 5G NR-Based CBRS Networks
3.3.3.1 Band 48 – LTE-TDD CBRS Deployments
3.3.3.2 Band 49 – LAA (Licensed Assisted Access) Operation
3.3.3.3 Band n48 – 5G NR-Based CBRS Systems
3.4 Tiers of Authorization
3.4.1 Tier 1 – Incumbent Access
3.4.2 Tier 2 – PALs (Priority Access Licenses)
3.4.3 Tier 3 – GAA (General Authorized Access)
3.5 CBRS System Architecture & Functional Elements
3.5.1 EUDs (End User Devices)
3.5.2 CBSDs (Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices)
3.5.2.1 BTS-CBSD (Base Transceiver Station-CBSD)
3.5.2.2 CPE-CBSD (Customer Premises Equipment-CBSD)
3.5.2.3 Category A CBSD (Lower Power)
3.5.2.4 Category B CBSD (Higher Power)
3.5.3 Domain Proxy
3.5.4 SAS (Spectrum Access System)
3.5.5 ESC (Environment Sensing Capability)
3.6 Other Technical Aspects
3.6.1 Functional Requirements & Protocols
3.6.2 Equipment Certification
3.6.3 CBRS Security
3.6.4 Core Network Integration
3.6.4.1 Service Provider Hosted Core
3.6.4.2 MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network)
3.6.4.3 NHN (Neutral Host Network)
3.6.4.4 Private Network
3.6.4.5 Hybrid Network
3.6.5 Shared HNI (鶹ԭ Network Identity)
3.6.6 Designated Protection Zones
3.6.6.1 DPAs (Dynamic Protection Areas) for Military Radar Systems
3.6.6.2 FSS (Fixed Satellite Service) Earth Station Exclusion & Protection Zones
3.6.6.3 Temporary GWPZs (Grandfathered Wireless Protection Zones)
3.6.6.4 Quite Zones
3.6.6.5 Border Areas
3.6.7 PAL Protection & Opportunistic GAA Operation
3.6.8 Secondary 鶹ԭ for PAL Licenses
3.6.8.1 Partitioning
3.6.8.2 Disaggregation
3.6.8.3 Spectrum Leasing
4 Chapter 4: Business Models, Use Cases & Applications
4.1 Business Models & Use Cases
4.1.1 Service Provider Networks
4.1.1.1 Mobile Network Densification & Buildouts
4.1.1.2 FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) Broadband
4.1.1.3 Mobile Networks for Cable Operators & New Entrants
4.1.2 Neutral Host Networks
4.1.2.1 Indoor Spaces
4.1.2.2 Large Public Venues
4.1.2.3 Transport Hubs & Corridors
4.1.2.4 High-Density Urban Settings
4.1.2.5 Remote and Rural Coverage
4.1.3 Private Cellular Networks
4.1.3.1 Offices, Buildings & Corporate Campuses
4.1.3.2 Vertical Industries
4.1.3.2.1 Manufacturing
4.1.3.2.2 Transportation
4.1.3.2.3 Utilities
4.1.3.2.4 Mining
4.1.3.2.5 Oil & Gas
4.1.3.2.6 Healthcare
4.1.3.2.7 Education
4.1.3.2.8 Retail & Hospitality
4.1.3.2.9 Governments & Municipalities
4.1.3.2.10 Other Verticals
4.2 Applications
4.2.1 Mobile Broadband
4.2.2 鶹ԭ & Business Broadband
4.2.3 Voice & Messaging Services
4.2.4 High-Definition Video Transmission
4.2.5 Telepresence & Video Conferencing
4.2.6 Multimedia Broadcasting & Multicasting
4.2.7 IoT (Internet of Things) Networking
4.2.8 Wireless Connectivity for Wearables
4.2.9 Untethered AR/VR/MR (Augmented, Virtual & Mixed Reality)
4.2.10 Real-Time Holographic Projections
4.2.11 Tactile Internet & Haptic Feedback
4.2.12 High-Precision Positioning & Tracking
4.2.13 Industrial Automation
4.2.14 Remote Control of Machines
4.2.15 Connected Mobile Robotics
4.2.16 Unmanned & Autonomous Vehicles
4.2.17 BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight) Operation of Drones
4.2.18 Data-Driven Analytics & Insights
4.2.19 Sensor-Equipped Digital Twins
4.2.20 Predictive Maintenance of Equipment
5 Chapter 5: Standardization, Regulatory & Collaborative Initiatives
5.1 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project)
5.1.1 Release 14: Introduction of CBRS Band 48
5.1.2 Release 15: LAA/eLAA Operation for CBRS Networks
5.1.3 Release 16: Band n48 to Support 5G NR Implementations
5.2 ATIS (Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions)
5.2.1 IMSI Assignment & Management for CBRS
5.2.2 Additional CBRS-Related Efforts
5.3 CBRS Alliance
5.3.1 OnGo Certification Program for 3.5 GHz CBRS Equipment
5.3.2 CBRS Network Services & Coexistence Specifications
5.3.2.1 Release 1: Baseline Specifications for LTE Systems in the 3.5 GHz Band
5.3.2.2 Release 2: Enhanced Specifications in Preparation for OnGo Commercial Service
5.3.2.3 Release 3: Incorporation of 3GPP’s 5G Definitions & Standards in the 3.5 GHz CBRS Band
5.3.2.4 Release Independent Specifications for CBRS Identifiers
5.4 CTIA
5.4.1 Product Certification for 3.5 GHz CBRS Equipment
5.5 DSA (Dynamic Spectrum Alliance)
5.5.1 Advocacy Efforts to Promote Unlicensed & Dynamic Access to Spectrum
5.6 ONF (Open Networking Foundation)
5.6.1 CBRS Spectrum Support in the Aether 5G/LTE ECaaS (Edge-Cloud-as-a-Service) Platform
5.7 U.S. FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
5.7.1 Regulation of CBRS Spectrum
5.8 U.S. NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration)
5.8.1 CBRS-Related Spectrum Management Work
5.9 WInnForum (Wireless Innovation Forum)
5.9.1 SSC (Spectrum Sharing Committee): CBRS Standards
5.9.1.1 Release 1: CBRS Baseline Standards
5.9.1.2 Release 2: Enhancements to CBRS Baseline Standards
5.9.1.3 Administration of Root Certificate Authority, Professional Installer Training & CBSD Certification Programs
5.10 Others
6 Chapter 6: Case Studies of CBRS Network Deployments
6.1 American Dream: Transforming Retail & Entertainment Using CBRS-Powered Wireless Connectivity
6.1.1 Spectrum Type
6.1.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.1.3 Deployment Summary
6.2 Angel Stadium: Private LTE & 5G-Ready CBRS Network for Powering Critical Support Systems
6.2.1 Spectrum Type
6.2.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.2.3 Deployment Summary
6.3 AT&T: Tapping CBRS Shared Spectrum for FWA & Private Cellular Networks
6.3.1 Spectrum Type
6.3.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.3.3 Deployment Summary
6.4 Cal.net: LTE-Based CBRS Network for Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural California
6.4.1 Spectrum Type
6.4.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.4.3 Deployment Summary
6.5 Charter Communications: Transforming MVNO & FWA Service Offerings With CBRS Shared Spectrum
6.5.1 Spectrum Type
6.5.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.5.3 Deployment Summary
6.6 Dallas Love Field Airport: Private LTE Network for Internal Operations & Passenger Experience
6.6.1 Spectrum Type
6.6.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.6.3 Deployment Summary
6.7 DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit): CBRS-Powered Smart Media & Communications Platform
6.7.1 Spectrum Type
6.7.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.7.3 Deployment Summary
6.8 Faena Hotel & Forum: LTE-Based CBRS Network for Improving Mobile Connectivity
6.8.1 Spectrum Type
6.8.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.8.3 Deployment Summary
6.9 FedEx: Leveraging CBRS Shared Spectrum for Wireless Communications in Hub Facilities
6.9.1 Spectrum Type
6.9.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.9.3 Deployment Summary
6.10 Geoverse: Pioneering Neutral Host & Private Wireless Networks With CBRS Shared Spectrum
6.10.1 Spectrum Type
6.10.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.10.3 Deployment Summary
6.11 John Deere: Private Cellular Connectivity for Manufacturing Processes & Agricultural Applications
6.11.1 Spectrum Type
6.11.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.11.3 Deployment Summary
6.12 Memorial Health System: LTE-Based CBRS Network to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts
6.12.1 Spectrum Type
6.12.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.12.3 Deployment Summary
6.13 Midco (Midcontinent Communications): CBRS Shared Spectrum for Rural Broadband Connectivity
6.13.1 Spectrum Type
6.13.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.13.3 Deployment Summary
6.14 Murray City School District: LTE-Based Private CBRS Network for K-12 Education
6.14.1 Spectrum Type
6.14.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.14.3 Deployment Summary
6.15 New York’s Times Square: Improving Public Mobile Connectivity With CBRS Shared Spectrum
6.15.1 Spectrum Type
6.15.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.15.3 Deployment Summary
6.16 PGA Tour: LTE-Based CBRS Networks to Improve Wireless Coverage & Security at Golf Tournaments
6.16.1 Spectrum Type
6.16.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.16.3 Deployment Summary
6.17 PK Solutions: CBRS-Powered Private Wireless Connectivity for Oil & Gas Companies
6.17.1 Spectrum Type
6.17.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.17.3 Deployment Summary
6.18 SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric) Company: Private LTE Network for Mission-Critical Communications
6.18.1 Spectrum Type
6.18.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.18.3 Deployment Summary
6.19 Southern Linc: Expanding LTE Network Capacity for Utility Communications With CBRS Shared Spectrum
6.19.1 Spectrum Type
6.19.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.19.3 Deployment Summary
6.20 Strata Worldwide: Streamlining Mining Operations With Combined Low-Band & CBRS Spectrum Networks
6.20.1 Spectrum Type
6.20.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.20.3 Deployment Summary
6.21 UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara): Outdoor CBRS Network for On-Campus IoT Services
6.21.1 Spectrum Type
6.21.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.21.3 Deployment Summary
6.22 Verizon Communications: Exploiting CBRS Shared Spectrum to Address Capacity Demands
6.22.1 Spectrum Type
6.22.2 Integrators & Suppliers
6.22.3 Deployment Summary
7 Chapter 7: 鶹ԭ Sizing & Forecasts
7.1 Ten-Year Outlook for LTE & 5G NR-Based CBRS Networks in the United States
7.1.1 RAN Infrastructure Investments
7.1.2 Terminal Equipment Sales
7.2 CBRS RAN Infrastructure
7.2.1 Segmentation by Air Interface Technology
7.2.1.1 LTE
7.2.1.2 5G NR
7.2.2 Segmentation by Cell Type
7.2.2.1 Indoor Small Cells
7.2.2.2 Outdoor Small Cells
7.2.3 Segmentation by Use Case
7.2.3.1 Mobile Network Densification
7.2.3.2 FWA (Fixed Wireless Access)
7.2.3.3 Cable Operators & New Entrants
7.2.3.4 Neutral Hosts
7.2.3.5 Private Cellular Networks
7.2.3.5.1 Offices, Buildings & Corporate Campuses
7.2.3.5.2 Vertical Industries
7.2.4 Segmentation by Vertical Industry
7.2.4.1 Manufacturing
7.2.4.2 Transportation
7.2.4.3 Utilities
7.2.4.4 Mining
7.2.4.5 Oil & Gas
7.2.4.6 Healthcare
7.2.4.7 Education
7.2.4.8 Retail & Hospitality
7.2.4.9 Government & Municipalities
7.2.4.10 Other Verticals
7.3 CBRS Terminal Equipment
7.3.1 Segmentation by Air Interface Technology
7.3.1.1 LTE
7.3.1.2 5G NR
7.3.2 Segmentation by Form Factor
7.3.2.1 Smartphones & Handheld Terminals
7.3.2.2 Mobile & Vehicular Routers
7.3.2.3 Fixed CPEs (Customer Premises Equipment)
7.3.2.4 Tablets & Notebook PCs
7.3.2.5 IoT Modules, Dongles & Others
8 Chapter 8: Key Ecosystem Players
9 Chapter 9: Conclusion & Strategic Recommendations
9.1 Why is the 鶹ԭ Poised to Grow?
9.2 Future Roadmap: 2020 – 2030
9.2.1 2020 – 2024: Continued Investments in CBRS Network Deployments
9.2.2 2025 – 2029: Commercial Maturity of 5G NR Implementations in the 3.5 GHz Band
9.2.3 2030 & Beyond: Ubiquity of CBRS Spectrum Across Service Provider, Neutral Host & Private Networks
9.3 Fostering Innovation Through Spectrum Sharing
9.4 Transforming the Cellular Communications Industry
9.5 Densification of Mobile Operator Networks in the 5G Era
9.6 Accelerating FWA & Rural Broadband Rollouts
9.7 Moving Towards the Neutral Host Model
9.8 The Emergence of New Entrants in the Cellular Industry
9.9 Private Cellular Networks for Industrial IoT Applications
9.10 Which Use Cases Will Dominate the CBRS 鶹ԭ?
9.11 COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on CBRS Shared Spectrum Deployments
9.12 Prospects of Non-3GPP Technologies in CBRS Spectrum
9.13 Strategic Recommendations
9.13.1 LTE/5G Equipment Suppliers & System Integrators
9.13.2 Mobile Operators, Neutral Hosts & Other Service Providers
9.13.3 Enterprises & Vertical Industries
*If Applicable.