Fierce Wireless’s E5G utilities panel: LTE private networks are increasingly meeting utilities’ needs

The utilities sector is undergoing a transformation as the grid becomes smarter. Cellular technologies have not traditionally met the requirements to support critical infrastructure, especially for power generation and transmission networks. The utilities panel at Fierce Wireless’s E5G 4Q 2021 event considered the role of private networks in the utilities sector and analysed the advantages of using cellular technologies. The panel speakers also discussed recent developments in the USA that have accelerated the adoption of such technologies. Indeed, an increase in the number of spectrum options that can be used to support a private network model has renewed the utilities sector’s interest in cellular technologies.