SPECTRUM CBRS

The SPECTRUM CBRS program is a procurement line item within the Army's Other Procurement budget, specifically under Communications and Electronics Equipment for Satellite Communications. The program was established in response to the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer's directive, following the White House's 5G initiative to auction mid-band spectrum. The primary goal of SPECTRUM CBRS is to support the Army's ability to reallocate and coexist within the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, which is increasingly being utilized for commercial 5G applications.

The objectives of the SPECTRUM CBRS line item focus on the production and procurement of hardware and associated support systems necessary for spectrum reallocation. This includes equipment that enables military communications systems to operate effectively while sharing spectrum with commercial users. The program aims to ensure that Army communications remain secure and reliable, even as portions of the spectrum are transitioned to civilian use. This supports both national security and broader federal telecommunications policy goals.

Funding for SPECTRUM CBRS is intended to provide the Army with technical solutions for spectrum coexistence. These solutions may include spectrum monitoring devices, dynamic spectrum access technologies, and interference mitigation systems. The procurement supports operational readiness by allowing Army units to maintain critical command, control, and communications capabilities in environments where spectrum access is contested or shared with commercial entities.

In prior years, the SPECTRUM CBRS line item received funding to initiate the acquisition of these hardware systems and to develop the necessary support infrastructure. The justification for this investment is rooted in the need to comply with federal mandates for spectrum reallocation, while also preserving the Army's ability to conduct secure and uninterrupted operations. The program is closely coordinated with the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer and America's Mid-Band Initiative Team (AMBIT), which oversees the broader federal strategy for mid-band spectrum management.

For FY 2026, the budget documentation indicates that no new funding is requested for the SPECTRUM CBRS line item. This suggests that the initial procurement objectives have been met or that the program is transitioning to a sustainment or integration phase. The absence of new funding may also reflect a shift in priorities or the completion of key milestones related to spectrum reallocation and coexistence.

Although there are no additional related program elements or major defense acquisition programs directly associated with this line item, SPECTRUM CBRS remains an important component of the Army's communications modernization efforts. The program supports the broader Department of Defense goal of adapting to evolving spectrum management requirements, ensuring that military operations can continue to leverage advanced communications technologies in a rapidly changing electromagnetic environment.