Part 96 governs the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), enabling shared use of the 3550-3700 MHz band. It utilizes a three-tier model managed by the Spectrum Access System (SAS) to coordinate spectrum usage dynamically. Devices, known as Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs), must be certified to interact with the SAS for frequency assignment and comply with power limits based on device categories. ESC systems detect incumbent activity to prevent interference.

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47 CFR Part 96 outlines the technical requirements for the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), not to be confused with Citizens Band (CB) Radio under Part 95, enabling the shared use of the 3550-3700 MHz band for various wireless broadband applications. Engineers and technicians deploying CBRS systems should consider the following technical details:

1. Three-Tier Spectrum Sharing Model (47 CFR § 96.1(b)):
The CBRS band operates under a three-tiered sharing framework:

• • • Incumbent Access: This tier includes federal users (e.g., military radar) and fixed satellite services (FSS), which have the highest priority in the band.
    • Priority Access License (PAL): Licensed users obtain 10 MHz blocks within Census Tracts for exclusive use, providing interference protection. PAL licenses are managed by the SAS and renewed every 10 years.
    • General Authorized Access (GAA): Allows unlicensed use of available spectrum, coordinated by the SAS to avoid interference with higher-priority users.

2. Spectrum Access System (SAS) Coordination (47 CFR § 96.53):
The SAS dynamically manages spectrum assignments, ensuring that CBSDs operate on frequencies not occupied by higher-priority users. It performs real-time monitoring and can change frequency assignments to adapt to shifting usage patterns and avoid interference. Engineers must configure CBSDs to communicate with the SAS for proper operation.

3. Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) Integration (47 CFR § 96.67):
The ESC detects the presence of federal incumbent activities (e.g., naval radar) and communicates with the SAS to exclude affected frequencies from commercial use. ESC infrastructure is vital for deployments in coastal areas where incumbent radar activity is common.

4. CBSD Categories and Power Limits (47 CFR § 96.41):
CBSDs are classified into two categories:

• • • Category A: Designed for lower power indoor or outdoor use, with a maximum effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of 30 dBm.
    • Category B: For outdoor use only, requiring professional installation and supporting a maximum EIRP of 47 dBm. Higher power enables longer-range communication and coverage.

The requirements in section 47 CFR § 96.41 apply to CBSDs and their associated End User Devices (EUDs), unless otherwise specified.

5. Device Registration and Compliance (47 CFR § 96.39):
CBSDs have geo-location and reporting capabilities and must be registered with the SAS, providing information on their location, power levels, and operational characteristics. The SAS uses this data to allocate frequencies dynamically and ensure compliance with interference protection standards.

6. Frequency Assignment and Coordination (47 CFR § 96.59):

Spectrum Access System (SAS) manages frequencies for Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs). It ensures fair use of spectrum by assigning channels based on inputs such as CBSD location, operational parameters, and data from the Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC). Assignments are made in a non-discriminatory manner and aim to maintain consistent operations across devices.

The SAS must confirm frequency availability upon request from the FCC or CBSDs and verify that devices in a specific area have ceased operations or switched frequencies if required. 

7. Security Requirements (47 CFR § 96.61):
The rules mandate secure communication protocols for CBSDs and SAS operations to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. SAS must verify that the FCC identification number supplied by a CBSD is for a certified device and must not provide service to an uncertified device. Encryption and authentication are crucial for maintaining network integrity.

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