Washington, D.C. – Spectrum for the Future was among 25 major spectrum users, manufacturers, public interest stakeholders, defense companies, and other wireless innovators that called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to protect the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) from disruptive changes to power levels and emission limits. In a letter addressed to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, the organizations explained how such changes would jeopardize innovative use cases and industries that rely on the unique CBRS framework to connect rural communities, factories, anchor institutions, and more. 

“Cementing America’s position as a global leader in wireless communications depends on maintaining a spectrum policy that is innovative and adaptable and enables quick commercialization. A flexible policy that supports access for a wide range of users ensures that technology can evolve to meet the needs of consumers and enterprises alike,” wrote coalition partners. 

“Transforming CBRS into a high-power, macro cellular band would undermine this leadership, depriving U.S. businesses and industries of a vital resource needed to deploy cutting-edge Private 5G and rural broadband networks effectively. Instead of controlling their own spectrum assets, allowing customized solutions to different industrial and enterprise challenges, America’s companies and organizations would be forced to return to the off-the-shelf managed solutions offered by the largest carriers. These changes would also risk harm to critical military operations and undo the collaborative coordination that has resulted from the joint efforts between the Commission, federal agencies, and commercial users that has made CBRS such a success, and which provides a direction for future sharing with federal agencies,” they added.

Full text of the letter can be found here. Signers include Amazon.com Services LLC; Benton Institute for Broadband & Society; American Library Association; Barich, Inc.; Cambium Networks, Ltd; Celona, Inc.; Charter Communications, Inc.; Comcast Corporation; Cox Communications, Inc.; Deere & Company; Digital Global Systems; Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE); Imagine Wireless; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Mediacom Communications Corporation; Miami-Dade Aviation Department; Midcontinent Communications; NCTA – The Internet & Television Association; Open Technology Institute at New America; Public Knowledge; The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition; Shure Incorporated; Spectrum for the Future; Tarana Wireless; and WISPA – The Association for Broadband without Boundaries.