Motorola and Harris County build private LTE network

Motorola is building a private LTE network for the nation’s third most populous county using CBRS spectrum. The network In Harris County (TX) currently supports 1,000 households and is expected to connect 6,000 by the end of 2021. Harris County Universal Services, which provides IT and communication services for the public sector, is using CARES Act funds to extend connectivity to Houston-area residents through the private wireless network. The county will give free CBRS modems to people whose homes are covered by the network. These can provide in-home Wi-Fi using the CBRS network for backhaul. Harris County has been working with local school districts and community groups to let families in covered areas know they can get modems through their local libraries. The county is also creating a digital task force to connect senior citizens and others to resources and adult digital literacy programs to help them access the network and take advantage of online doctor visits, banking, community services and job opportunities. Harris County and Motorola are using CBRS under General Authorized Access (GAA), meaning they do not have to pay for the spectrum but could temporarily lose access if it is needed by the US Navy or by a licensed holder. Federated Wireless provides the software that mediates spectrum access for Motorola.