CBRS & Shared Spectrum: Unlocking Flexibility with the Right Antenna Strategy
Posted by Gordon Reed on 8th Oct 2025
As organizations look for secure, scalable, and affordable wireless connectivity, CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) has become one of the most exciting technologies in the wireless landscape.
Operating in the 3.5 GHz band, CBRS bridges the gap between traditional public cellular networks and private LTE/5G, giving enterprises, utilities, campuses, and transportation networks more control over their communications.
But there’s one critical component that determines how successful a CBRS deployment will be: the antenna system.
What Is CBRS and Why It Matters
CBRS allows organizations to build their own private LTE or 5G networks using shared spectrum regulated by the FCC.
It offers:
- Private & Secure Connectivity – Enterprises can manage their own network without depending solely on carrier coverage.
- Expanded Capacity – Offload data traffic from public networks and reduce congestion.
- Flexibility & Control – Deploy networks where and when needed, customized for each use case.
- Lower Cost – Use shared licensed spectrum without the high cost of exclusive frequencies.
From ports and airports to smart campuses and utilities, CBRS enables reliable broadband in places where traditional networks fall short.
Why Antennas Are the Key to CBRS Success
The power of CBRS lies in its spectrum flexibility, but to unlock that potential, you need antennas that can handle the specific challenges of 3.5 GHz deployment.
Precision-Tuned for the 3.55–3.7 GHz Band – Ensures optimal gain and efficiency for LTE and 5G performance.
Multi-Band Capability – Supports hybrid networks combining CBRS, LTE, and Wi-Fi.
Rugged Design – Built to handle outdoor, mobile, and industrial environments.
MIMO Performance – Multi-input, multi-output technology ensures high throughput and reliability.
In short, your antenna system determines whether your CBRS network performs like a carrier-grade solution or struggles with dead zones and interference.
Real-World Applications of CBRS
CBRS networks are reshaping connectivity in industries that demand reliability and control:
Industrial IoT & Manufacturing – Private 5G CBRS networks enable automation, robotics, and real-time analytics.
Transportation & Logistics – Improve coverage in rail yards, ports, and terminals.
Utilities & Energy – Enhance grid monitoring, SCADA, and field operations.
Campuses & Smart Cities – Provide secure, high-performance broadband for public safety and operations.
The AntennaGear Advantage
AntennaGear delivers CBRS-optimized antennas that ensure performance across every deployment:
Lab-tested precision in our anechoic chamber for consistent gain and VSWR performance.
Seamless integration with routers and gateways from Cradlepoint, Peplink, Digi, Sierra Wireless, and Cisco.
Rugged, field-ready designs for outdoor and mobile use cases.
Proven reliability across public safety, utilities, transportation, and enterprise networks.
With AntennaGear, your CBRS network gets the signal strength and stability it needs, anywhere, anytime.
Closing & Call-to-Action
CBRS is reshaping wireless communications, giving industries the freedom to build private, flexible, and secure networks.
But to make the most of this opportunity, you need the right antenna strategy.
But to make the most of this opportunity, you need the right antenna strategy.
Explore AntennaGear’s CBRS-ready antenna solutions today and see how we’re helping organizations unlock the power of shared spectrum.