Wireless internet providers champion CBRS model amid CTIA attempts to quash it

Soon after CTIA released its latest study supporting its argument for more licensed spectrum, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) shot a letter over to lawmakers asking for more shared spectrum, similar to the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) model. Signed by more than 200 companies in the WISP ecosystem, the letter urges lawmakers to support the 3.5 GHz CBRS model for future spectrum bands, such as 3.1-3.45 GHz. The letter is addressed to Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-WA), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senator Roger Wicker, (R-MS), ranking committee member. The letter comes as lawmakers negotiate extending the Federal Communications Commission’s auction authority and consider how to reallocate federal spectrum, mainly spectrum used by the Department of Defense (DoD), for commercial use. Big licensed carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, represented by CTIA, want the lower 3 GHz spectrum to be allocated for licensed use. Smaller companies, like WISPs, are pushing for a structure that allows for smaller-sized auctioned areas and a shared spectrum approach.