Assessing the Feasibility of the Citizens Broadband Radio Service Concept for the Private Industrial Internet of Things Networks

5G emerges with ultra-dense deployments of small cell networks to serve various vertical sectors’ location specific service requirements. While the development of technical solutions for network densification is progressing, less attention is paid to the spectrum models for the new ultra-dense networks and location specific service offerings. This paper examines the problems currently faced by industry in acquiring spectrum to support the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). Industrial applications where such spectrum is needed were assessed and their requirements identified. The US Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum sharing model to support the IIOT needs is introduced and how it addresses the IIOT requirements were evaluated based on four different real-life use cases. This study developed a view of options for the spectrum supply side, how this could interface with demand from private networks. Results showed that the CBRS model is well suited for several IIOT use cases based on having smaller licensed areas for PALs allowing a low-cost path for acquiring exclusive use spectrum along with a no cost option of using GAA spectrum. The leasing rules defined for CBRS PALs also provides an excellent minimal overhead option for enterprises to lease spectrum to other neighboring enterprises. Furthermore, the CBRS concept was found to leverage all the three forces of the long tail framework: Democratizing the tools of production through access to affordable spectrum, cutting the costs of consumption by democratizing distribution with web-scale automatization and connecting supply and demand via marketplace via SAS.