900 MHz private wireless broadband networks for utilities: The new era of grid modernization is here.

Anterix is modernizing utility communications through 900 MHz private wireless networks. From enabling grid automation and remote asset monitoring to supporting mission-critical voice and data communications, Anterix's 900 MHz spectrum solutions provide the foundation for a modernized, resilient grid.

And that’s just the beginning.

Our customers can deploy robust 900 MHz private wireless networks that integrate distributed renewable energy resources, enhance grid reliability, help safeguard against cybersecurity threats, and give real-time awareness of grid conditions, all using a standards-based platform to ensure future scalability.

What is a 900 MHz private wireless broadband network?

Private wireless broadband for utilities refers to a dedicated communication network, utilizing 900 MHz broadband spectrum, built specifically for the needs of utility companies, such as electric, water, and gas providers. Unlike traditional public wireless networks, private wireless broadband networks can offer utilities greater control, security, and reliability over utilities communication infrastructure.

A modern communications system like private wireless broadband, or private LTE, enables a utility to modernize its grid.

It can help utilities to:

accommodate power from the sharply growing number of distributed, intermittent renewable energy resources being deployed to meet decarbonization targets
improve grid reliability and resilience, benefiting both the utility and its customers.
improve grid cybersecurity by communicating more securely with smart devices throughout a utility’s service territory and control the devices permitted on their network
provide utility operators real-time situational awareness of grid conditions, enabling the intelligence necessary to take rapid action to correct—or even avert—an adverse event.

Utilities also can design their private networks to be more resilient against climate impacts or cyberattacks.

Built on a global standard, private wireless broadband networks open the door to a future in which sensors, controls, and advanced technology can be installed anywhere on the grid. Mobile workforce, drone inspections, advanced analytics, wildfire mitigation, and a host of other use cases and grid-enhancing technologies can be realized.

900 MHz private wireless broadband is becoming the broadband wireless solution for more and more utilities thanks to its ability to offer visibility, control, quality of service, reliability, and resiliency all the way to the grid edge — all of which are key for transformational next-level grid solutions.

Operating on Anterix's 900 MHz spectrum frequencies, utilities’ private wireless networks are ensured exclusive access and reduced risk of interference and intrusion from other users. Anterix’s 900 MHz spectrum provides high-speed data transmission, low latency, and support for a wide range of applications.

900 MHz Private Wireless Broadband: The Foundation for Grid Modernization

Collectively, utilities are working hard to ensure their critical infrastructure is ready to meet grid modernization, resilience, security, and clean energy requirements.

As the energy transition continues, the grid will require significantly more data usage, driven by increased electrification, new applications, and enhanced performance. Technology and the communications network advancements that support the grid play a key role in helping to meet network challenges while also mitigating risks, increasing customer satisfaction, and improving security, reliability, and resilience.

Transmission | Distribution | Communications

Security

Increased cyber security protection on private broadband network vs. security on commercial carrier networks.

Operational Improvements

Private wireless solutions for a cleaner, safer, and more secure energy future.

Customer Improvement

Deliver a Smarter, Stronger Energy Future with Private Wireless Networks.

Resiliency

We are the leading provider of private wireless broadband to our nation's most critical infrastructure: the electric grid.

Clean Energy Targets

Support and proactively advance strategic electrification efforts.

The Unique Benefits of Private Wireless Broadband for Grid Modernization

As utility operations become increasingly complex, and the grid becomes more digitized and automated, private wireless broadband networks are becoming an integral part of utilities’ critical data infrastructure to support required increased data speeds, capacity, and security. The need for private wireless broadband networks to make the grid smarter— while improving security, resiliency, affordability, and automation—is more critical than ever.

Security, Privacy, and Control

Complete control of network design, build, and operation, end-to-end system security, access, data visibility, and prioritization. Designed to prevent data from leaving the private network or traverses the public internet. 900 MHz private wireless broadband can be architecturally and fundamentally more secure than commercial networks and provides utilities with control access to both the network and devices through user authentication and encryption capabilities. Customizable layers of security also can be added.

Reliability and Resiliency

Reliable and resilient communications across a service territory enables greater control of grid operations. Thus, utility communications must meet a high standard: hardened to prevent compromise by human actors and natural disasters, reliable to work even under emergency conditions, and resilient to quickly recover from setbacks to support power restoration efforts.

Capacity and Scalability

A communications platform built to deliver capacity to meet current and future connectivity needs and use cases is a must for utilities. With 900 MHz private wireless broadband, utilities can deliver more and faster connectivity demanded by clean energy solutions and smart grid applications. Built on a global standard, 900 MHz private wireless can provide bandwidth and scalability for the growing number of devices supporting all Field Area Network (FAN) requirements.

Future-Proof Innovation

Built on global 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Program) standards, our 900 MHz broadband spectrum offers a long-term investment. With the integration of 5G technology and new band classes, we're leading a connectivity revolution—promising faster speeds, increased bandwidth, and seamless communication for continuous innovation.

Reduction of Costs

Due to the advantageous propagation of 900 MHz low band spectrum as compared to higher bands, lower site infrastructure density can lead to lower capital requirements. The convergence of legacy single purpose application networks into a unique standards-based platform can eliminate costly operations and maintenance (O&M) cost and redundant capital expenditure (capex). 900 MHz spectrum can also be an economical solution to reach the edge of the grid, as compared to fiber. With a single platform, devices can be installed almost anywhere on the grid with no additional O&M or capex connectivity cost.

900 MHz private wireless broadband, the ideal choice to support the multitude of use cases driven by the grid’s most critical needs.

Use cases supported by a 900 MHz private wireless broadband network:

Energy Supply and Load Management

Demands on utility metering networks are accelerating, driven by increasing operational costs, the need for more bandwidth, higher reliability, and better security. A 900 MHz private wireless broadband network can deliver the performance, enhanced security, and capacity needed for evolving advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems. With 900 MHz private wireless broadband, lower latency and quality of service control allows a utility to prioritize traffic to fit their requirements. A 900 MHz private wireless broadband “Under Glass” meter can support faster two-way communication between the utility and end users, faster outage response, better fault identification, and ease the challenges of DER interconnection. Utilities also can reduce the incremental cost of endpoint connectivity of traditional solutions, as well as support increasing bandwidth requirements.

900 MHz private wireless broadband can replace traditional narrowband links, commercial cellular connections, and other third-party backhaul solutions with a single platform that provides connectivity at no additional cost for years to come. 900 MHz private wireless broadband can provide a utility with the ability to enhance its meter infrastructure without restrictions or bandwidth constraints imposed by a proprietary communication solution. Being standards-based, 900 MHz private wireless broadband facilitates the interoperability of multiple vendors bringing flexibility, scale, and innovation.

Electric Vehicles

With the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), charging stations, vehicle-to-grid, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies, and energy storage, utilities must have robust, secure connectivity with the assets controlling EVs and their charging infrastructure to manage two-way power flows and maintain grid control and reliability. Critical requirements for data communications networks include preventing overload of the distribution infrastructure due to increased demand for charging, the ability to dynamically utilize available EV resources for charging at scale, and ensuring the flow of real-time information.

900 MHz private wireless broadband provides high throughput and low-latency connectivity, which allow for improved V2X bidirectional charging and accurate, large-scale monitoring of EVs, charging stations, and related solutions. 900 MHz private wireless broadband gateway devices allow secure, reliable two-way communications to gain more visibility of real-time information, current renewable generation, and resource availability. EV assets can be fully integrated to the same operational network as the electric grid.

Wildfires

Innovative solutions like falling conductor protection and other technologies harness 900 MHz private wireless broadband connectivity to help mitigate wildfire risks proactively, protecting customers and communities while also improving reliability. Falling conductor protection helps utilities proactively increase resiliency by de-energizing a broken line before it hits the ground thanks to a near-real-time private wireless connection. Rapid de-energization can be targeted to specific lines in threatened communities and use the low-latency and traffic prioritization capabilities of a 900 MHz private wireless broadband communications network. Overall system reliability is not impacted, unlike other solutions like line tripping that can cause false trips and public service power shutoffs that cause large-scale disruption. Additionally, 900 MHz private wireless broadband networks can address other wildfire challenges via remote monitoring and control of substation/distribution equipment, remote video surveillance, and support for emergency response and mutual assistance.

Natural Gas

900 MHz private wireless networks can provide the ability to deploy environmental sensors that are designed to improve leak detection and remote control of natural gas systems, thereby helping to increase efficiency and sustainability. 900 MHz private wireless broadband also supports the evolution of natural gas meters to AMI 2.0, enabling meters to become powerful grid edge sensors capable of running many applications in real time, further increasing efficiency and control of natural gas networks.

Distribution Automation

Distribution automation systems automatically isolate faults and perform switching to restore and maintain power to as many homes and businesses as possible within seconds. These systems typically utilize three-phase reclosers, capacitor banks, motorized air break switches, sectionalizing cabinets, and regulators. Distribution automation systems rely on direct or wireless connectivity for real-time feeder condition information to determine the optimal operational configuration during an event. To perform these tasks most effectively, utilities require a secure and reliable communications network connecting these assets. Deploying a 900 MHz private wireless broadband network allows these devices to communicate seamlessly in real-time and eliminates the costly and complex deployment of fiber.

Street Lighting

Utilities need to manage not only distribution and transmission assets, but also assets such as residential streetlights. 900 MHZ private LTE can be leveraged to provide connectivity to each streetlight, eliminating the need for a purpose-built network for this application. The load management of tens of thousands of streetlights can utilize self-provisioning, real time notifications, smart light scheduling, intelligent dimming, and more. Control and management of these programs can also reduce energy costs.

Mobile Communications

Communications coverage is critical to the effectiveness of a mobile workforce and one that is often overlooked. Today’s mobile workforce can perform more efficiently, respond faster to outages, and provide better customer service when connected to a private, highly reliable, and secure communications network. With 900 MHz private wireless broadband, utilities can build their network where it is needed, removing poor signal area concerns and dependence on public carriers. A secure 900 MHz private wireless network connecting a mobile workforce provides the ability to monitor vehicle status and location and aids dispatching in assigning work more efficiently. Real-time vehicle and worker visibility enhances safety and enables quicker response times to customer issues and outages and provides customers with a higher quality of service and reliability.

No matter where utilities are in the evolution of their grid communications network, 900 MHz private wireless broadband can be foundational for a modernized grid and can support the data speeds, capacity, and security to enable a modern, clean, and resilient utility communications infrastructure.

The ideal spectrum for critical infrastructure and enterprise networks is here. Anterix’s 900 MHz licensed nationwide spectrum provides the optimal foundation for your utility’s communications strategy, enabling secure and resilient operations for today and the energy future you envision.

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