Spectrum Details for CBRS Frequency Band
| Band | CBRS |
| Band Name | Citizens Broadband Radio Service |
| Frequency | 3550 - 3700 MHz |
| Allocated Use | Cellular |
| Used in Countries | United States |
| Duplex Mode | TDD |
| TDD Band (MHz) | 3550 - 37001 |
| Bandwidth | 150 MHz |
PART 96—CITIZENS BROADBAND RADIO SERVICE
Technical Summary
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.
Legal Details
Kama Thuo, PLLC Wireless Telecommunications Law Firm has compiled legal details on CBRS.
CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) at 3.5 GHz should not be confused with CB Radio (Citizens Band Radio) which is a two-way voice system at 27 MHz typically used by truckers.
The CBRS plays a pivotal role in expanding cellular connectivity by enabling private LTE and 5G networks, particularly for enterprises, industrial IoT, and rural broadband. In LTE it is designated as LTE Band 48 and in 5G as NR n48.
| Band Portion | License Type | License Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 3550-3650 MHz (licensed - PAL) | Auction Licensed | Any Person or Entity |
| 3550-3700 MHz (unlicensed - GAA) | Licensed By Rule | Any Person or Entity |
| 3550-3650 MHz (incumbents) | Government Exclusive | Government Only |
For legal details on CBRS (or for counseling on spectrum licensing and allocation generally), see information at Kama Thuo, PLLC Wireless Telecommunications Law Firm.
Footnotes:
Priority Access Licensees (PALs) 3.55-3.65 GHz; General Authorized Access (GAA) users 3.55-3.7 GHz.