Private LTE using CBRS data gives businesses strong wireless coverage across large indoor spaces. It supports high-throughput tasks and keeps network performance steady, even when many devices are online. More companies are choosing CBRS to replace or support Wi-Fi, LTE, or fiber—especially when they need control, reliability, and lower costs.

What is CBRS data?

CBRS data is wireless traffic that runs on the Citizens Broadband Radio Service band. The band ranges from 3550 to 3700 MHz and supports both speed and range.

CBRS private LTE uses LTE or 5G to carry IP traffic between devices. The difference is who controls it. Instead of relying on a public carrier, your business can run its own private network.

CBRS bandwidth and throughput overview

CBRS networks can reach download speeds over 1 Gbps, but results depend on how the network is built. Real-world performance changes based on spectrum access, network setup, and how many devices are connected.

Theoretical vs. real-world speeds

In tests, CBRS has reached 800 Mbps to 1 Gbps down and over 100 Mbps up. Those results come from clean setups with good spectrum and high-end gear. In real-world use, speeds between 100 and 500 Mbps are more common.

Licensed vs. shared bandwidth

CBRS works on two types of access:

• Priority Access Licenses (PAL) give exclusive use of part of the spectrum.
• General Authorized Access (GAA) is shared and open to anyone.

PAL gives you more stable speeds and fewer slowdowns. GAA works well, but it may drop if others nearby are using the same band.

Uplink vs. downlink balance

Many CBRS networks support faster upload speeds than public LTE. That helps with tasks like sending camera feeds or data from machines and sensors.

Latency expectations

Most CBRS networks run at 20 to 40 milliseconds of latency. That’s faster than public LTE and often better than Wi-Fi in crowded areas. It works well for voice calls, live video, or edge processing.

Comparing CBRS to Wi-Fi, LTE, and fiber

The CBRS system offers a mix of performance, range, and control that fits between Wi-Fi and public LTE. It gives you wireless coverage without needing to rely on carriers, and it’s more stable than shared Wi-Fi networks. Fiber still leads in speed and reliability, but it’s fixed in place.

What about Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 is fast but still rare in business settings. It offers high peak speeds and better handling of dense traffic. But most enterprises haven’t upgraded yet, and few client devices support it today. For now, Wi-Fi 6/6E remains the main wireless standard in active use.

CBRS vs. Wi-Fi

Enterprise Wi-Fi is fast on paper, but performance can drop in busy spaces or large buildings. CBRS avoids that problem by using a private slice of mid-band spectrum. It doesn’t fight for airtime with every nearby device, which leads to more stable speeds.

CBRS vs. LTE

Public LTE works well in outdoor or mobile settings but comes with costs and limits. Carriers control the network, and speeds may vary depending on congestion. CBRS gives you more control, with similar coverage and lower ongoing fees.

CBRS vs. fiber

Fiber is faster and more stable than any wireless option, but it’s fixed and often expensive to install. CBRS doesn’t try to replace fiber—it extends its reach to places fiber can’t go. It also works as a backup if fiber ever goes down.

What data can CBRS realistically support?

CBRS can carry the same traffic as LTE or 5G—but the big difference is control. You run the network, not a carrier. That gives you more consistency for data-heavy workloads.

Enterprise applications

CBRS handles cloud apps, video calls, remote desktops, and VoIP without breaking a sweat. It also works well for streaming, software updates, and any task that needs steady bandwidth.

IoT and smart logistics

In factories or warehouses, Wi-Fi often struggles with metal walls or moving machines. CBRS reaches farther and keeps devices connected as they move.

Smart sensors, forklifts, and asset tags all perform better on CBRS when Wi-Fi isn’t reliable or LTE is blocked.

Mobile offload and burst traffic

CBRS can handle traffic spikes without crashing the network. It’s useful during product launches, sales events, or when lots of people connect at once.

IT teams use it to take pressure off busy Wi-Fi networks, especially during peak hours.

Edge compute compatibility

CBRS pairs well with edge routers and local compute gear. It keeps latency low and avoids slowdowns from backhauling everything to the cloud.

CBRS use cases for high-data applications

CBRS works best in places where your network needs to be both fast and private. It’s now being used to replace Wi-Fi or LTE in many settings where coverage, speed, and control all matter.

Private networks in factories, healthcare, and education

CBRS gives you full control over who connects and how much bandwidth they use. In factories, it supports smart machines, AR tools, and quality control systems that need low latency and steady throughput.

Hospitals use it for medical carts, patient tablets, and imaging systems that can’t afford signal drops. Schools run CBRS for internal apps, testing platforms, and student devices—especially in buildings where Wi-Fi coverage doesn’t hold up.

IT teams can split traffic by department, floor, or device type. That means fewer slowdowns and better security.

Surveillance and backhaul

CBRS offers clean and stable upload paths, even where fiber isn’t available. Security cameras send HD video in real time without needing line-of-sight or wired links.

You can use wireless base stations to cover parking lots, outdoor yards, or warehouse corners. Footage goes straight to your network, not through a public carrier.

Smart campuses and stadiums

Large properties need broad, reliable coverage—CBRS delivers. Staff devices, maintenance tools, and connected signs stay online across wide areas without constant handoffs.

Unlike Wi-Fi, CBRS doesn’t lose signal through walls or drop when too many users connect. You can cover buildings, stadium seating, and nearby grounds using the same system.

Backup for fiber

When fiber goes down, most networks stall. CBRS steps in as a reliable backup that doesn’t rely on mobile carriers. It keeps your network running during outages or ISP issues.

Some sites use CBRS as a hybrid—fiber handles regular traffic, while CBRS stays ready for failover or extra demand.

Meter Cellular makes this easy through Mobile Network-as-a-Service, which brings neutral host CBRS and private LTE under one plan.

CBRS devices and hardware considerations

Meter Cellular runs on Cellular Access Points (CAPs) that are FCC Part 96 compliant. These devices create private LTE coverage over CBRS and connect directly to the Meter Network stack. No coaxial cabling or DAS infrastructure is required.

Certified hardware

Meter currently uses Airspan CAPs. Each unit is certified and registered to use the CBRS band safely. In the future, Meter plans to move to custom-branded and fully integrated CAPs as demand scales.

Band 48 support

Devices that support LTE Band 48 can connect to Meter’s Cellular network. Most modern Android phones already include Band 48 support. Some Apple devices do as well, though activation may vary depending on how the carrier provisions the device.

Seamless network integration

CAPs connect through standard CAT6 cabling and plug into Meter’s managed network stack. Customers do not have to manage radios, base stations, or cellular core systems. Everything is pre-configured, monitored, and updated by Meter as part of the service.

CBRS SAS vendors and bandwidth management

CBRS uses shared spectrum, but it’s not a free-for-all like public Wi-Fi. Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) manage who can transmit on which frequencies in real time.

What SAS actually does

SAS platforms assign spectrum to each Cellular Access Point based on current conditions. They avoid conflicts with nearby networks and protect federal systems like naval radar. Every CAP checks in with the SAS before it can transmit.

Top SAS providers

Today’s most common SAS vendors include:

• Google
• Federated Wireless
• CommScope

These vendors provide cloud-based services that talk to each CBRS-capable device and confirm which channels are available.

Interference control and spectrum use

SAS coordination prevents devices from stepping on each other’s signals. It also makes sure spectrum isn’t wasted—frequencies get reused when they’re not in use nearby. That keeps networks more stable, especially in dense urban areas or multi-tenant buildings.

The CBRS “Data On or Off” setting explained

Some Android phones include a setting called “CBRS data” or “Private LTE access.” This toggle controls whether the device connects to networks using Band 48, which is the frequency used by CBRS.

When to keep CBRS data on

If your company uses a CBRS network—like Meter Cellular—you should keep this setting turned on. Turning it off stops the device from using private LTE, which can block access to internal apps or services.

IT teams managing Android phones can control this setting through their Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. That way, devices always stay connected without users needing to adjust anything.

Unlock enterprise-grade CBRS capacity with Meter

CBRS data gives you fast, private wireless coverage without depending on a carrier. It works well across large spaces, supports live apps, and connects easily to your current network.

At Meter, we deliver CBRS data as a managed service. We install Cellular Access Points that connect to our network stack using standard cabling. We take care of the setup, SAS access, compliance, and monitoring—so your team doesn’t have to.

Features you can expect from Cellular:

1. Simplified deployment: Meter handles everything from site surveys to installation and activation.
2. Quick installation: The process is much faster than traditional DAS, taking just 6 to 8 weeks.
3. Reliable coverage: Neutral-host CBRS gives strong signals and removes dead zones for steady, carrier-grade service.
4. Multi-carrier support: One setup works with major carriers, keeping employees and visitors connected.
5. Dashboard monitoring: The upcoming Meter dashboard integration, planned for Q1-Q2 2026, will display cellular APs, their status, and connected devices
6. Compliance and security: The system supports E911 compliance for accurate emergency service access.

Adding Cellular to your vertically integrated network plan or purchasing it separately means strong, high-quality indoor cell coverage that grows with your business. 

Contact Meter today to learn more.