CommScope and Ericsson Complete SAS Interoperability Testing for CBRS

The CommScope SAS, in coordination with the environmental sensing capability, identifies wireless signals of incumbent users to avoid interference from CBRS operations. (Graphic: Business Wire)

HICKORY, N.C.--()--To help ensure their readiness for commercial deployment in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) wireless spectrum in the U.S., CommScope and Ericsson have successfully completed interoperability testing of their equipment. The testing is one of the first successful interoperability tests using the Wireless Innovation Forum’s release 1.2 specifications.

“CommScope’s team of architects, developers and engineers have been building an industry-leading SAS for nearly two years,” said Tom Gravely, vice president of research and development, Network Solutions, CommScope. “Completion of interoperability testing with a major radio equipment provider such as Ericsson validates our SAS design and readies us for commercial deployment.”

“Ericsson offers a comprehensive portfolio of CBRS network solutions that will help operators of all sizes deploy in this spectrum quickly and successfully,” said Paul Challoner, vice president of Network Product Solutions, Ericsson. “Additional milestones need to be reached for CBRS to become a reality, but we are pleased to complete interoperability testing with CommScope as part of the developmental process.”

The interoperability test confirmed that CommScope’s Spectrum Access System (SAS) and Ericsson’s radio infrastructure with CBRS spectrum support will work together as part of a CBRS network. The rigorous SAS–Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) interoperability testing used a battery of scenarios to verify that both products meet governmental requirements and industry protocols, as well as CommScope’s and Ericsson’s respective quality standards.

In a CBRS network, a SAS and CBSD work together to ensure that the appropriate wireless signals are transmitted and received between the core network and end-user devices, while managing interference. An Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) works with the SAS to identify the wireless signals of incumbent users to avoid interference from CBSDs. CommScope is one of four ESC operators conditionally approved by the FCC to provide SAS and ESC services.

The 3.5 GHz CBRS band has been approved by the FCC with the goal of improving wireless broadband access and performance. The CBRS band is made up of 150 MHz of 3.5 GHz shared spectrum, which until now has been primarily used by the federal government for radar systems. The FCC has authorized shared use of the band with wireless small cells. The shared spectrum approach in the CBRS band could become an effective way to facilitate the growth of wireless data, including mobile broadband, Internet of Things and fixed applications.

CommScope has a long history in wireless spectrum management through its Comsearch® business unit, a pre-eminent global provider of engineering products and services. Comsearch offers state-of-the-art software and comprehensive databases for the design of complex wireless systems.

Comsearch is a registered trademark of CommScope, Inc.

About CommScope:

CommScope (NASDAQ: COMM) helps design, build and manage wired and wireless networks around the world. As a communications infrastructure leader, we shape the always-on networks of tomorrow. For more than 40 years, our global team of greater than 20,000 employees, innovators and technologists have empowered customers in all regions of the world to anticipate what’s next and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Discover more at http://www.commscope.com.

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About Ericsson:

Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business and is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s investments in innovation have delivered the benefits of telephony and mobile broadband to billions of people around the world. The Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com

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This press release includes forward-looking statements that are based on information currently available to management, management’s beliefs, as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those currently expected. In providing forward-looking statements, the company does not intend, and is not undertaking any obligation or duty, to update these statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

News Media Contact:
CommScope
Bill Walter, +1 708-236-6634
publicrelations@commscope.com
or
Ericsson
Jimmy Duvall, +1 469-266-3141
jimmy.duvall@ericsson.com
or
Financial Contact:
CommScope
Jennifer Crawford, +1 828-323-4970

Release Summary

CommScope and Ericsson have successfully completed interoperability testing of their CBRS equipment.

Contacts

News Media Contact:
CommScope
Bill Walter, +1 708-236-6634
publicrelations@commscope.com
or
Ericsson
Jimmy Duvall, +1 469-266-3141
jimmy.duvall@ericsson.com
or
Financial Contact:
CommScope
Jennifer Crawford, +1 828-323-4970