LTE & 5G NR-Based CBRS Networks: 2023 - 2030: Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts

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 success. Although the shared spectrum arrangement is access technology neutral, the 3GPP cellular wireless ecosystem is at the forefront of CBRS adoption, with more than half of all active CBSDs (Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices) based on LTE and 5G NR air interface technologies.

LTE-based CBRS network deployments have gained considerable momentum in recent years and encompass hundreds of thousands of cell sites - operating in both GAA (General Authorized Access) and PAL (Priority Access License) spectrum tiers - to support use cases as diverse as mobile network densification, FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) in rural communities, MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) offload, neutral host small cells for in-building coverage enhancement, and private cellular networks in support of IIoT (Industrial IoT), enterprise connectivity, distance learning and smart city initiatives. 

Commercial rollouts of 5G NR network equipment operating in the CBRS band have also begun, which are laying the foundation for advanced application scenarios that have more demanding performance requirements in terms of throughput, latency, reliability, availability and connection density - for example, Industry 4.0 applications such as connected production machinery, mobile robotics, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AR (Augmented Reality)-assisted troubleshooting.

Examples of 5G NR-based CBRS network installations range from luxury automaker BMW Group's industrial-grade 5G network for autonomous logistics at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina and the U.S. Navy's standalone private 5G network at NAS (Naval Air Station) Whidbey Island to mobile operator Verizon's planned activation of 5G NR-equipped CBRS small cells to supplement its existing 5G service deployment over C-band and mmWave (Millimeter Wave) spectrum.

The report estimates that annual investments in LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS RAN (Radio Access Network), mobile core and transport network infrastructure will account for nearly $900 Million by the end of 2023. Complemented by an expanding selection of 3GPP Band 48/n48-compatible end user devices, the market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 20% between 2023 and 2026 to surpass $1.5 Billion in annual spending by 2026. Much of this growth will be driven by private cellular, neutral host and fixed wireless broadband network deployments, as well as 5G buildouts aimed at improving the economics of the cable operators' MVNO services.

The “LTE & 5G NR-Based CBRS Networks: 2023 - 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 network infrastructure and terminal equipment from 2023 to 2030. The forecasts cover three infrastructure submarkets, two air interface technologies, two cell type categories, five device form factors, seven use cases and 11 vertical industries.

The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report, as well as a database of over 800 LTE/5G NR-based CBRS network engagements - as of Q3’2023.

Key Findings

The report has the following key findings:

• The report estimates that annual investments in LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS network infrastructure will account for nearly $900 Million by the end of 2023. Complemented by an expanding selection of 3GPP Band 48/n48-compatible end user devices, the market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 20% between 2023 and 2026 to surpass $1.5 Billion in annual spending by 2026.

• LTE-based CBRS network deployments have gained considerable momentum in recent years and encompass hundreds of thousands of cell sites to support use cases as diverse as mobile network densification, fixed wireless broadband in rural communities, MVNO offload, neutral host small cells for in-building coverage enhancement, and private cellular networks for vertical industries and enterprises.

• Commercial rollouts of 5G NR network equipment operating in the CBRS band have also begun, which are laying the foundation for Industry 4.0 and advanced application scenarios that have more demanding performance requirements in terms of throughput, latency, reliability, availability and connection density.

• By eliminating the entry barriers associated with exclusive-use licensed spectrum, CBRS has spurred the entry of many new players in the cellular industry - ranging from private 4G/5G network specialists such as Celona, Betacom, Ballast Networks, Kajeet and BearCom to neutral host solutions provider InfiniG.

• The secondary market for leasing and monetizing CBRS PAL spectrum rights is starting to get off the ground with the availability of spectrum exchange platforms - from the likes of Federated Wireless and Select Spectrum - which connect license holders with prospective third-party users to streamline transactions of under-utilized PAL spectrum.

Summary of CBRS Network Deployments

Summarized below is a review of LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS network across the United States and its territories:

• 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 Services: 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. 

• Mobile Networks for New Entrants: 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 buildouts 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:

  • 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.

Topics Covered

The report covers the following topics:

• Introduction to LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS networks

• Value chain and ecosystem structure

• Market drivers and challenges

• Technical aspects, including CBRS spectrum sharing rules, system architecture, functional elements, core network integration and security

• Key trends such as the growing prevalence of private cellular networks in industrial and enterprise settings, neutral host small cells, 3GPP-based fixed wireless broadband rollouts, MVNO offload and mobile network densification

• Business models, use cases and application scenarios

• Future roadmap of LTE and 5G NR in CBRS spectrum

• Standardization, regulatory and collaborative initiatives

• 50 case studies of LTE and 5G NR-based CBRS network deployments

• Database tracking more than 800 CBRS network engagements

• Profiles and strategies of over 300 ecosystem players

• Strategic recommendations for LTE and 5G NR equipment suppliers, system integrators, service providers, enterprises and vertical industries

• Market analysis and forecasts from 2023 to 2030

Forecast Segmentation

Market forecasts are provided for each of the following submarkets and their subcategories:

• CBRS Network Infrastructure

  • Infrastructure Submarkets

    • RAN (Radio Access Network)

    • Mobile Core

    • Transport Network

• 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

    • Education

    • Governments & Municipalities

    • Healthcare

    • Manufacturing

    • Military

    • Mining

    • Oil & Gas

    • Retail & Hospitality

    • Sports

    • Transportation

    • Utilities

    • 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 2026, and at what rate will it grow?

• Which submarkets and verticals 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 public mobile operators? 

• How are WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) leveraging CBRS for fixed wireless broadband rollouts in rural and underserved communities?

• What opportunities exist for cable operators, neutral hosts, niche service providers and other new entrants?

• How is CBRS accelerating the uptake of private cellular networks for vertical industries and enterprises?

• How is the commercial availability of 5G NR-based CBRS network equipment setting the stage for Industry 4.0 and advanced applications?

• 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?