Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW), the provider of fully integrated device-to-cloud solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), has announced the AirPrime® EM7565 LTE-Advanced Pro Embedded Module has been granted FCC approval and is the first embedded module available for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) networks in the US This enables organizations to operate their own LTE networks in areas such as college and corporate campuses, arenas, airports, ports and warehouses, the company said.
The Sierra Wireless module is approved to operate in the CBRS radio band, a 3.5GHz band traditionally used by US Navy radar systems but now available for private LTE (and other technology) networks or for cellular carriers to augment their existing services. The 3GPP has defined Band 48 for CBRS so that LTE products can use the new CBRS band in addition to the US cellular carrier bands. Outside of the US and not considered CBRS, the 3GPP has defined other bands that also run on 3.5GHz that are expected to quickly enable 5G services in regions where these bands are available, including Europe, Japan and Brazil.
As the CBRS ecosystem of infrastructure, carriers, and modules roll out, it becomes much easier for organizations to operate their own LTE networks with more device and service options for users. For example, a college campus could deploy a CBRS network to provide unlimited data to users while on campus, or an oil and gas company could provide LTE coverage to connect tablets, rugged handhelds, routers and other equipment in a remote oil field. Seen as a more secure alternative to Wi-Fi, CBRS networks can support both low and high-bandwidth applications, do not require spectrum licenses and are expected to reduce the cost of data transmission.
Sierra Wireless is an IoT pioneer, empowering businesses and industries to transform and thrive in the connected economy. For more information, visit www.sierrawireless.com.
