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GHT service / Networks and wireless

Private cellular and CBRS

Your own cellular network, sized to the site

Private LTE or 5G combines compatible devices, SIM or eSIM identities, radios, transport, and a mobile core; many US deployments use CBRS spectrum under FCC Part 96.

Describe this project See what is involved
What you should have at closeoutA measured pilot or production network with confirmed device and band compatibility, spectrum records, traffic paths, configuration, and support procedures.
References3 reviewed
Last updated2026-08-20
Overview

What Private cellular and CBRS includes

A private cellular network normally includes radio units, antennas, transport, a cellular core, subscriber identity management and integration to enterprise or operational networks. It is not simply a different kind of access point.

CBRS uses a three-tier shared-spectrum model coordinated by a Spectrum Access System. Device registration, location, operating parameters and possible channel changes are part of normal operation and must be designed into monitoring and support.

Question to answer before designWhich devices and applications need cellular mobility, what bands do they support, and who will operate the radio, core, and subscriber accounts?
Common situations

This service may fit when:

  • Wide-area mobile devices outgrow existing Wi-Fi behavior
  • Deterministic identity and SIM/eSIM lifecycle are useful
  • Outdoor, yard or industrial coverage needs managed mobility
  • A neutral-host or carrier alternative is being evaluated
System components

What the system includes

A complete scope covers each part below and the connections between them.

01

Subscriber device

Band-compatible modem with provisioned SIM or eSIM identity

02

Radio access

CBSD/radio and antennas providing planned RF coverage

03

Mobile core

Authentication, sessions, mobility and traffic policy

04

Enterprise boundary

Controlled paths to applications, internet, IT or OT networks

Project record

How site information becomes a tested project

A complete project record connects the conditions found on site, the design decisions made from them, and the tests and closeout documents delivered afterward.

Site information

What we confirm before design

  • Use cases, client count, mobility and application behavior
  • Device modem, band, SIM/eSIM and certification support
  • Coverage area, construction and interference environment
Design decisions

What those findings determine

  • Access method: Use workflow and device ecosystem, not novelty.
  • Spectrum: Evaluate availability, protection, cost and operating obligations.
  • Core: Balance integration, latency, availability, expertise and lifecycle.
Closeout records

What you should receive

  • Use-case and device-compatibility matrix
  • RF and radio/core architecture
  • Subscriber identity and network-policy design

The exact inputs, decisions, and acceptance records depend on the site and signed scope.

Project stagesSurvey through closeoutView details
Project stages

How the work moves from survey to closeout

Each stage should produce the records and test results needed before the next stage begins.

  1. 01

    Use-case proof

    Define devices, mobility, traffic, latency, coverage, identity and operational consequence.

    EvidenceUse-case scorecard and device/band compatibility matrix
  2. 02

    RF/core architecture

    Design radios, antennas, transport, cellular core, subscriber identities and network boundaries.

    EvidenceRF prediction, logical architecture and data-flow map
  3. 03

    Spectrum and pilot

    Coordinate compliant devices and SAS operation, stage a limited area, and validate real clients.

    EvidenceRegistration records, pilot log and measured coverage/service results
  4. 04

    Operational handoff

    Finalize monitoring, identity lifecycle, channel-event response, support and change ownership.

    EvidenceRunbook, inventory, configuration backup and acceptance report
Design choicesCompare the available approachesView details
Options

How to choose the right approach

The right choice depends on the site, application, operating risk, and acceptance requirements. More equipment does not automatically improve the system.

FactorTypical approachMore demanding conditionsWhat determines the choice
Access methodTypical approach: Enterprise Wi-Fi for broad client compatibilityMore demanding conditions: Private cellular for managed subscriber devices and cellular mobilityWhat determines the choice: Use workflow and device ecosystem, not novelty.
SpectrumTypical approach: General Authorized Access where suitableMore demanding conditions: Priority Access or other licensed arrangementsWhat determines the choice: Evaluate availability, protection, cost and operating obligations.
CoreTypical approach: Managed/hosted mobile coreMore demanding conditions: On-premises or dedicated core controlWhat determines the choice: Balance integration, latency, availability, expertise and lifecycle.
DeploymentTypical approach: Limited pilotMore demanding conditions: Multi-zone production networkWhat determines the choice: Require device and application evidence before scaling.
Before design

What we need to know

  • Use cases, client count, mobility and application behavior
  • Device modem, band, SIM/eSIM and certification support
  • Coverage area, construction and interference environment
  • Core location, backhaul, addressing and security boundaries
  • SAS, spectrum tier, monitoring and operations model
At closeout

What you should receive

  • Use-case and device-compatibility matrix
  • RF and radio/core architecture
  • Subscriber identity and network-policy design
  • Pilot coverage/application test report
  • Spectrum, inventory, monitoring and operations runbook
Best fit

When this service makes sense

  • Manufacturing and warehouse mobility pilots
  • Yards, ports, campuses and utility sites
  • Dedicated handheld, vehicle or machine connectivity
  • A limited proof-of-value before broader deployment
Before we commit

What we verify first

  • Device and band compatibility
  • FCC Part 96 and SAS operating conditions
  • Core/backhaul availability and integration
  • Specialized monitoring, identity and radio support skills
Site contextSee where this work is usedView details
Where it is used

How site conditions change the design

Occupancy, operating hours, user activity, regulation, weather, construction, and access can change the design.

IT and operations on one documented foundationManufacturingMobility across the operationWarehousing and logisticsResilient pathways and controlled changeUtilities and critical infrastructure
Common questions

What people usually ask

Does private 5G replace Wi-Fi?

Usually not wholesale. The two systems serve overlapping but different device, mobility, spectrum, identity and cost models. Many sites use each where it fits.

What does a Spectrum Access System do?

Under FCC Part 96, the SAS authorizes and manages CBRS channel use and protection obligations. CBSDs register and operate according to the assignments and conditions it provides.

Can every phone or scanner join a private CBRS network?

No. The device must support the selected band and network mode and accept the required SIM/eSIM provisioning. Compatibility should be proven with the exact hardware and application.

Standards and referencesReview the source materialView details
Standards and references

Sources used for this guide

These references inform the guide. The adopted code, engineer of record, authority having jurisdiction, manufacturer instructions, and signed agreement control the project.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · reviewed 2026-08-2047 CFR Part 96: Citizens Broadband Radio Service

Current federal rules for CBRS devices, users, spectrum tiers and Spectrum Access Systems.

Open reference BICSI · reviewed 2026-08-20ANSI/BICSI 006-2026: Distributed Antenna Systems

Official scope for vendor-neutral DAS planning, design, installation and commissioning, including ERCES and CBRS.

Open reference Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency · reviewed 2026-08-20Enhanced Visibility and Hardening Guidance for Communications Infrastructure

Recommends purpose-based VLANs, ACLs, stateful inspection and DMZ constructs as layers in a broader segmentation strategy.

Open reference
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