More WISPs Warn on Large License Sizes in CBRS Band

Additional wireless ISPs warned against selling priority access licenses (PALs) in the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) band in geographic sizes larger than census tracts (see 1712220022). Kentucky WiMax said it already serves about 40 percent of its customers using WiMax equipment in the 3.65-3.7 GHz band, but is changing to LTE. “The rule changes proposed by the NPRM which increase the size of PALs and lengthen the term of licenses would most certainly put our company at a disadvantage to that of larger nationwide carriers,” the Kentucky WISP said. On-Ramp Indiana said larger PALs would “make the band nothing more than another Licensed band for the cellular industry.” InvisiMax, which serves parts of North Dakota and Minnesota, said it has invested more than $9 million in its network and investment sometimes seems “never ending.” InvisiMax said it's excited about the CBRS spectrum, but only big corporations and carriers will pursue larger PALs.