CBRS begins: inducing new models of network ownership

Access this insight with a Standard plan. Contact our sales team to get started.
In September, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the first commercial deployments of the Citizens Radio Broadband Service (CBRS). CBRS, which introduces a flexible model for spectrum sharing in the 3.5 GHz band, reduces entry barriers and drives new models of network ownership, bringing opportunities for operators. However, the shared nature of CBRS means it is as much a culture shift as it is a technical advance, and the mobile industry will need to work closely with adjacent sectors to avoid disintermediation in the network value chain. While CBRS is a US arrangement, that other spectrum-sharing models have been proposed in parts of Europe underscores a broader paradigm shift towards exploring new ways of operating and financing networks in the 5G era.
Report details
CBRS begins: inducing new models of network ownership
Report details
CBRS begins: inducing new models of network ownership
Related research
Operators’ enterprise strategies and plans: survey insights reveal the shifting trends in 2026 and beyond
This report summarises the key findings from the December 2025 GSMA Intelligence Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey, which surveyed 100 global operators on their enterprise strategies, plans and emerging opportunities. Key topics include operators’ strategic priorities, partnerships, acquisitions and investment in enterprise 5G offerings such as private 5G, IoT, cloud, edge computing and network slicing.
Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey Dashboard 2026
This dashboard presents the latest findings of the GSMA Intelligence Operators in Focus: Enterprise Opportunity Survey. The survey asked 100 operators globally about their enterprise strategies, including how they are carrying out their plans and how they assess emerging opportunities.
5G, 6G and private networks for digital industries: what shapes enterprise priorities, expectations and investment plans
Digital transformation of enterprises is accelerating across all vertical sectors, with next-generation connectivity being an important driver and enabler and a top area of investment. GSMA Intelligence surveyed 5,320 enterprises across 32 countries and 10 vertical sectors to gain relevant insights into their digital transformation across a range of technologies. This report analyses the key findings and implications for 5G and/or private networks technologies.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn more- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
How can we support you?
Get in touch
Contact the GSMA Intelligence support team for help with your account, subscriptions, or access to reports and insights.
Newsletter
Subscribe to the GSMA Intelligence newsletter for the latest industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
