The OnGo Alliance explains how CBRS is transforming indoor cellular coverage with cost-effective, multi-operator neutral host networks. Their article, "5 Bars Indoor for Everyone," explores how Meta and others are using CBRS to improve connectivity, reduce costs, and accelerate deployment—providing a scalable alternative to expensive legacy solutions like DAS.
Indoor mobile coverage has long been a challenge, with 80% of mobile activity occurring inside buildings that often block cellular signals. Traditional neutral host solutions, like operator-specific small cells and DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), either scale poorly or are prohibitively expensive—especially for small and mid-sized properties.
Enter CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service), a game-changer for building owners seeking cost-effective, carrier-agnostic cellular infrastructure. CBRS enables shared spectrum use at low or no cost and supports a shared Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture, dramatically lowering deployment and operational costs. It also supports flexible ownership and management models—from fully outsourced to fully in-house, or a hybrid of the two.
Meta is one of the first large enterprises to embrace CBRS-based neutral host networks across its real estate footprint. With support from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, Meta found the CBRS solution was deployed 75% faster than traditional DAS systems, with significant cost savings and reliable indoor coverage across its open floorplan offices.
This new approach to neutral host networks not only reduces costs and speeds up deployment but also enhances user experience and mobile operator collaboration—paving the way for widespread adoption across offices, venues, retail spaces, and beyond.
Read the full article on the OnGo Alliance site.