Google-led plan to upend wireless industry gains momentum

A man walks by the logo of Google Station before a news conference to announce a network of free WI-FI hotspots across the country, in Mexico City, Mexico March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Tomas Bravo

A Google-led plan to overhaul how valuable airwaves are used for calls and texts is gaining momentum across the US wireless industry, giving the company the chance to play a central role in networks of the future. 

Citizens Broadband Radio Service, or CBRS, is a fat slice of the US airwaves being freed this year from the military’s exclusive control. Instead of just zipping messages between aircraft carriers and fighter jets, the spectrum will be shared by the Navy, wireless carriers like Verizon, cable companies including Comcast, and even hospitals, refineries and sports stadiums.