Reliable Field Communications for Missionn‑critical Applications With 900 mhz Private Wireless Broadband
Field Force Mobility
Mobile workforce connectivity is critical for efficient utility operations, responding to outages, and providing vital information to field operations. New technologies and digital transformation initiatives are driving the need for more bandwidth in utility communications networks. Workers can stay connected to the home office, to each other, and to application systems that enhance logistics, improve productivity and safety, and enhance the customer experience.
Responsive Workforce Increases Resiliency
Private networks help deliver coverage where it is needed the most, reducing the risk of interruptions, dead zones, and dropped calls. The mobile workforce can perform more efficiently, respond faster to outages, and provide higher levels of customer service when connected to a private, highly reliable, and secure communications network. Having the visibility of the workforce and dispatching resources more effectively helps to improve response times, operational metrics (CAIDI and SAIDI), and customer satisfaction goals.
Private wireless broadband enabled data and voice communications make digital transformation for a utility’s field workforce possible, increasing productivity, enhancing safety, and reducing operating costs. Private network connectivity allows utilities to take advantage of the processing power in new rugged laptops, tablets, and handhelds to digitize processes, thereby increasing efficiency. These multifunction devices can capture data in the field, eliminating duplicative data entry and reducing errors, and making digital maps, photo, and video transmission available on demand.
Unified Mobile Data, Voice, and Push-to-Talk Services with Private Wireless Broadband
An important aspect of enabling reliable field communications is the ability to deliver unified mobile data and voice communications, including mission-critical push-to-talk (MC-PTT) communications. A private wireless network can support full mobility services and facilitate integration with land mobile radio (LMR) networks.
Some examples of private wireless broadband field force mobility use cases are shown below:
Outage Management: Dispatch and coordinate field crews to restore services during outages.
Asset Management: Monitor and manage utility assets in real time, improving maintenance and reducing downtime.
Safety and Compliance: Comply with safety regulations by providing reliable communication and real-time monitoring.
Enhanced Productivity: Through the use of advanced applications such as digital maps, video transmission, and remote diagnostics improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
Mutual Aid: Quickly and securely support neighboring utilities in the event of a natural disaster.
Spotlight: Anterix Active Ecosystem members
Some of the Anterix Active Ecosystem members offering field force mobility solutions include:
Aina PTT: Aina PTT is a global leader in Push-to-Talk (PTT) devices, empowering organizations with reliable, high-performance communication tools designed for demanding fieldwork. Manufactured in Europe and trusted worldwide, their devices meet the highest industry standards to ensure seamless and efficient team communication. The Aina PTT mission is clear: to provide cutting-edge, durable, and dependable PTT solutions that keep professionals connected. They are committed to innovation and reliability, ensuring that your workforce stays efficient, safe, and always in touch.
Ericsson: Ericsson’s high-performing networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. They offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises, including utilities. Ericsson’s services include network deployment, maintenance, and infrastructure development, ensuring high-quality service delivery and operational excellence. They offer a dual mode LTE/5G solution that evolves from LTE to 5G with just a software upgrade. Reliability and resilience that offers sub second recovery of sessions and device security is part of their overall deployment at IOUs.
Index AR: The mission at Index AR is to make workers safer and more efficient in their jobs. Companies are turning to Index AR to create interactive eBooks and apps that help workers familiarize themselves with equipment and tasks and perform work safely, dramatically reducing errors while maintaining schedule. Working side by side with clients’ front-line workers and supervisors, the Index AR team collaborates to capture best practices and enable knowledge transfer, making new workers safer, consistently more capable and more productive.
L3 Harris: L3Harris is a global leader in secure communications and networking solutions, delivering mission-critical connectivity for utilities, public safety, and defense sectors. Their advanced radio systems, tactical communication networks, and cyber-resilient technologies ensure uninterrupted operations in high-stakes environments. L3Harris supports grid modernization, disaster recovery, and situational awareness, enhancing reliability and security for critical infrastructure.
Nokia: Nokia is a B2B technology innovation leader in network technology. Nokia’s end-to-end platform for private wireless helps enterprises such as utilities with their grid modernization journey. Utilities require their workforce to be mobile for safe, productive, and efficient operations. The Anterix band with its great propagation characteristics enables secure and reliable communications across large areas and enables workforce mobility. Nokia’s Radio access and Core network supports the Anterix band and is software upgradeable to 5G and enables workforce mobility.
Q-Panasonic: Panasonic Connect is committed to helping utilities stay connected and operate efficiently with its TOUGHBOOK® purpose-built computer solutions, including rugged laptops, tablets, software, and services. TOUGHBOOK solutions ensure durability, long battery life, reliable connectivity, low failure rates, fast service and support, and a lower total cost of ownership. Panasonic can provide the support utilities need to strengthen IT teams and keep field teams well-equipped, productive, and connected.
STREAMWIDE: STREAMWIDE is a major player in the critical communications market, offering Team on mission (mission critical) and Team on the run (business critical) solutions, tailored to address business and administration challenges. Offering communications features, geolocation services, field service management, geofencing, and integrated alerts system, STREAMWIDE enhances field mobility, safety, and collaboration, driving digital transformation and operational efficiency.
TeamConnect: TeamConnect is an American-made push-to-talk-over-cellular application that works nationwide on any mobile carrier and can significantly improve communication and productivity for utilities, governments, or any remote work force. Its instant voice communication allows individuals and teams on the go to connect with just one push of a button. TeamConnect allows users to track where individuals have been and their current location, and identify who is closest to the job, as well as reduce inbound calls and eliminate time-consuming paperwork.
Zebra: Zebra Technologies enhances utility field operations with rugged mobile solutions featuring cellular & Wi-Fi connectivity, integrated with RFID and barcode scanning for asset visibility. Supported by Zebra Mobility DNA software & AI-driven analytics, these devices excel in harsh environments, optimizing communication, security, and management. Offering handhelds, tablets, and accessories, Zebra enables integration and innovation through strategic collaborations, delivering cutting-edge solutions.
Anterix Active Ecosystem Solution Overviews
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