As the utilities industry evolves, reliable connectivity is more critical than ever. The growing adoption of smart grids, distributed energy resources (DERs) and grid automation has increased the need for secure, high-performance communication networks. Traditional public networks struggle to meet the rising demands of modern utility operations, prompting more power utilities to adopt private LTE and 5G networks. These networks ensure seamless communication, and real-time monitoring and control, driving greater operational efficiency and innovation.

For utilities, reliability is key. Whether it's facilitating field communication, collecting data from smart meters or automating substations, having reliable, secure connectivity is essential. In this blog, I will expand on how private wireless networks are transforming the utilities industry, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the future-readiness of networks for power utilities.

Private LTE and 5G: A necessity for power utilities

Private LTE and 5G networks represent a significant advancement in how utilities manage their operations. By deploying your own dedicated communication infrastructure, you can gain enhanced availability, security and control over your data. These networks also offer scalability and the ability to integrate with evolving smart grid technologies, positioning utilities to meet both current and future demands.

Common use cases for private LTE and 5G in utilities include:

• Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) and field force communication: In remote areas where public networks are unreliable or unavailable, private networks enable real-time communication for field workers during maintenance, inspections and emergencies.

• IoT, metering, and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): With the rising deployment of smart meters and IoT devices, private LTE/5G networks provide a reliable platform to process vast amounts of data in real time, enhancing energy management and customer service.

• Grid modernization and automation: Private networks deliver the high-speed, low-latency connectivity needed for automating substations, managing distributed energy resources and integrating renewable energy sources, boosting both efficiency and resilience.

To fully leverage private wireless networks, utilities need reliable LTE/5G core solutions. Nokia offers its Cloud Core Enterprise Solution (NCES) and supports other specialized core operators through the anyRAN initiative, providing utilities the flexibility to meet their unique requirements.

Spectrum considerations for critical communications

One of the key factors in deploying private wireless networks for utilities is spectrum availability. The 410/450 MHz spectrum band is crucial for ensuring reliable communication in utility operations. This band is particularly well-suited for rural areas, where lower frequencies are needed to cover long distances and penetrate obstacles such as buildings and trees.

Nokia is an active member of the 450 MHz Alliance, as well as a leader in advocating for the use of the 410/450 MHz band for critical utility communications. This spectrum band offers the right balance between coverage and capacity, making it ideal for supporting large-scale utility networks, including smart grids and distributed energy resources.

In North America, Nokia has played a key role in the standardization of Band 106, enabling utilities to benefit from private LTE and 5G networks that offer greater coverage, reliability and security. Band 106 paves the way for power utilities to adopt 5G by providing reliable, wide-area coverage for critical communications and smart grid operations.

To learn more about Nokia’s work on Band 106, you can read the blog by Jeff Pitman, our Head of Enterprise Market Unit for Mobile Networks.

Nokia’s market leadership in power utilities

With over 30 years of experience providing mission-critical communications to more than 200 utilities worldwide, Nokia is a trusted partner for utilities modernizing with private LTE and 5G networks. Our extensive expertise and diverse portfolio have enabled utilities globally to enhance operational efficiency, reliability and safety.

Below are three examples of successful deployments of Nokia's private wireless networks:

• 450connect (Europe): In Germany, 450connect uses Nokia’s private LTE solutions for nationwide coverage of critical infrastructure. The network supports applications ranging from smart metering to grid automation, ensuring secure, reliable communication.

• Xcel Energy (North America): Xcel Energy partnered with Nokia to deploy a private LTE network for grid modernization. The network enables real-time monitoring and control of energy resources, improving grid reliability and supporting renewable energy integration.

• Iberdrola-Elektro (Latin America): In Brazil, Iberdrola-Elektro leverages Nokia’s private LTE solutions to enhance grid automation and streamline communication with field teams, improving operational efficiency and reducing outage times.

As the utilities industry evolves, private wireless networks are becoming essential for grid modernization, automation and smart energy management. With private LTE and 5G networks, you can ensure reliable, secure, and scalable communication for your digital transformation. Nokia’s decades of leadership and industry-leading technology make us the ideal partner for utilities looking to modernize and future-proof their networks.

For more details on how private LTE and 5G networks can transform utility operations, check out our comprehensive solution brief.

You can also read more in my recent byline article on TechRadar, discussing why the phase-out of 3G networks is the least of utilities' concerns as they plan for the future.