Resources

Utility Journey to Private LTE

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2024 UBBA Plugfest Testing Report

The 2024 UBBA Plugfest highlighted the innovation, collaboration, and interoperability of three distinct utility use cases and associated devices on private LTE networks, as selected by UBBA’s utility members. The 2024 Plugfest Use Cases focused on AMI 2.0, Device Routing, and Edge Computing & Low...

UBBA Unplugged Voice of the Members Special with Cherian Abraham

Hear from NOKIA Senior Account Director for Energy, Cherian Abraham, in this special Voice of the Members segment from UBBA Unplugged.

UBBA Unplugged Voice of the Members Special with Mauricio Subieta

Hear from NOKIA Energy CTO for North America, Mauricio Subieta, in this special Voice of the Members segment from UBBA Unplugged.

Utility Spectrum 101

Today’s utilities are becoming more and more dependent on data, real-time data, to operate their networks safely and efficiently. Many utilities are currently evaluating the automation and modernization of their communications systems.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Leveraging Dual-Spectrum for Cost-Effective Utility LTE Network Expansion

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by Ubiik.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Three Architecture Alternatives for AMI 2.0

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by Select Spectrum.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Combining Fiber(GPON) and PLTE to Create High Performance Highly Available Networks

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by RAD.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Leveraging PLTE For Secure, Robust Utility Communication Networks

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by WESCO.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – How Emerging Tech in Private Cellular Will Impact Utility Deployments Today and Tomorrow

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by USCellular.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Introducing the Future of Itron’s Network Platform!

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by Itron.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Applying AI/ML Centric Automation to PLTE/5G Utility Field Area Network Deployment & Operations

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by Nokia.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – An Industry Framework for Private Wireless Broadband Deployment

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by Anterix.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Ensuring Interoperability Between LMR and Broadband

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by Motorola Solutions.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – 5G’s Role in Mission Critical Private Networks

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by Ericsson.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Combining Open Standard, Embedded Edge Computing with Emerging LTE Infrastructure to Deliver Maximum Value for AMI 2.0 and Beyond

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by Aclara | Hubbell.

2024 UBBA Summit Thursday Tech Session – Demystify Device Onboarding in PLTE Networks

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, this Thursday Tech Session was sponsored by OneLayer.

2024 UBBA Plugfest Demonstration – Edge Computing

Moving decision making to the edge will be a valuable strategy for critical infrastructure communication. These Plugfest Teams explored and demonstrated how configuring devices and applications to make automated decisions in the field increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs, reduce latency, and increase overall safety. Team...

2024 UBBA Plugfest Demonstration – Device Routing

As utilities transition to private LTE networks there will be several thousands of LTE devices deployed for distribution automation. Routing of all these use cases will be critical to ensure regulatory compliance, reliability, safety, and security. These Plugfest Teams explored and demonstrated several routing and...

2024 UBBA Plugfest Demonstration – AMI 2.0

As Advanced Metering Infrastructure evolves from a focused revenue use case to a mulit-sensor platform, these Plugfest Teams explored and demonstrated what AMI 2.0 is and how AMI 2.0 applications enable operational efficiencies to grid monitoring. Team 1 – Itron, PG&E, Xcel Energy, Anterix, Ericsson,...

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Ashleigh Pearson

Listen as Ashleigh Pearson from Hubbel | Aclara shared the importance of UBBA not only to the industry but to the end customer as well. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Liron Ben-Horin

Listen as Liron Ben-Horin from OneLayer explored the primary challenges enterprises face with scaling device onboarding as their PLTE/5G networks expand and how OneLayer helps to address these challenges. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Carson Zerpa

Listen as Carson Zerpa from Itron discussed the main AMI 2.0 use cases and the value propositions that he’s hearing from North American utilities. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Ron Krzoska

Listen as Ron Krzoska from Hitachi Energy shared how the UBBA Summit & Plugfest has evolved for Hitachi Energy, specifically from an application perspective. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Mitch Rappard

Listen as Mitch Rappard from Palo Alto Networks shared how Palo Alto Networks partners with utilities to help secure their networks. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest John Caselli

Listen as John Caselli from WESCO explored the major considerations needed when building out a PLTE network and how WESCO helps utilities with these deployments. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Greg McGovern

Listen as Greg McGovern from Black & Veatch shared how he has seen the industry and his utility clients progress in adopting PLTE from the UBBA Summit & Plugfest 2023 to the UBBA Summit & Plugfest 2024. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit &...

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Adam Rhodes

Listen as Adam Rhodes from Black & Veatch discussed which innovative applications he’s most excited about that will further benefit utilities using PLTE. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Mark Fecci

Listen as Mark Fecci from Motorola Solutions explored mission-critical-push-to-talk over PLTE and whether or not it could displace traditional LMR networks. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Juan Macias

Listen as Juan Macias from Duke Energy shared his insights regarding growth forecast and EOL programs and how they impact the decision for Private infrastructure and current MNOs partnerships. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Trey King

Listen as Trey King from T-Mobile shared how T-Mobile’s T-Priority and Network slicing enhance the reliability and efficiency of critical utility operations; particularly in managing smart grids, outage restoration, and emergency response.  Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Dan Bayouth

Listen as Dan Bayouth from Burns & McDonnell shared his insights on what utilities should be considering before embarking on a 5G/LTE deployment. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest Jerry Leary

Listen as Jerry Leary from Comarch shared his thoughts on the impact that AI and machine learning will have on the optimization of utility network operations. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live from the 2024 UBBA Summit – Special Guest David Rieken

Listen as Dr. David Rieken from Hubbell | Aclara shared his thoughts on the impact that high bandwidth access has on meters within the utility space. Video recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, MO.

UBBA Unplugged Live with Special Guest Daniel Allnutt

In this special live installment of UBBA Unplugged from the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, we were joined by Senior Electrical Engineer at Burns & McDonnell, Daniel Allnutt.  Hear from Daniel as he explored the importance of Plugfest and the focus of Plugfest 2024.

UBBA Unplugged Live with Special Guest Kim Kerr

In this special live installment of UBBA Unplugged from the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, we were joined by UBBA Board Member and Senior Vice President of Enterprise Sales & Operations at USCellular, Kim Kerr.  Hear from Kim as she shared her insights on the journey to PLTE/5G and how UBBA is helping utilities start or continue down this path.

UBBA Unplugged Live with Special Guest Adam Nathan

In this special live installment of UBBA Unplugged from the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, we were joined by UBBA Board Member and Area Director for Utilities and Energy Industries at WWT, Adam Nathan.  Hear from Adam as he shared his insights on the value of the Utility Broadband Alliance and how WWT is working to support the UBBA mission.

UBBA Unplugged Live with Special Guest Jeff Pittman

In this special live installment of UBBA Unplugged from the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, we were joined by UBBA Board Member and Head of Enterprise Market Unit for Mobile Networks at Nokia, Jeff Pittman.  Hear from Jeff as he shared his experience from the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest.

UBBA Unplugged Live with Special Guest Chris Vana

In this special live installment of UBBA Unplugged from the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, we were joined by UBBA Chair and Senior Director of Digital Technology at Ameren, Chris Vana.  Hear from Chris as he explored the growth and future of the Utility Broadband Alliance.

UBBA Unplugged Live with Special Guest Tom Wilson

In this special live installment of UBBA Unplugged from the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City, we were joined by Director of Cellular Products and Services at Hubbell | Aclara, Tom Wilson.  Hear from Tom as he shares his insights on the importance of the Utility Broadband Alliance.

2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest Keynote Address – David Campbell

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  This year we had not one but two keynote addresses to encapsulate the excitement surrounding the industry and event.  Chairman & CEO of Evergy, David Campbell, delivered this keynote at the 2024 UBBA Summit...

2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest Keynote Address – Leslie M. Duke

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Chair & CEO of Burns & McDonnell, Leslie Duke, delivered the opening keynote to kick off the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest. Click below to see the recording of her keynote from Kansas City!

“Next Gen AMI – Information & Control Beyond Metering”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join these industry thought leaders as they discuss information and opportunities facing the industry with the next generation of metering.  Hear from these experts as they came together to discuss this topic at the...

“Cybersecurity Challenges and Strategies for Utility Critical Infrastructure”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join these industry thought leaders as they discuss the important questions revolving around cybersecurity for utility critical infrastructure.  Given the everchanging nature of technology, the landscape of utility critical infrastructure is always evolving and...

“Delivering Connectivity for Rural Electric Cooperatives Across the US”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join these industry thought leaders as they examined the challenges and opportunities facing rural electric cooperatives across the United States.  While rural coops face similar challenges to that of the rest of the industry,...

“NVIDIA Spotlight – The First Distributed AI Platform for the Grid Edge”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join these industry thought leaders as they shared what Utilidata and NVIDIA are building together through the framework of AI in utilities and the implications it may have within the market.  Hear from these experts...

“Insights & Information from Public Utilities Commissioners”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join two Public Utilities Commissioners as they give a look into the insights and information their offices use to make decisions shaping the utility industry.  This insightful discussion offered a rare opportunity to hear first-hand...

“Maximizing the Grid: Unleashing Hidden Potential and Utility Customer-Centric Innovation”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Matt Olson from Burns & McDonnell examined ways to utilize customer innovation to drive value in the utility space. SPEAKERS: Matt Olson from Burns & McDonnell. Click the image to watch the video in...

“Evergy Executive Fireside Chat”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Matt Olson from Burns & McDonnell hosted a discussion with Evergy COO, Kevin Bryant and Evergy CTO, Charles King on the strategic motivation to pursue private LTE.  Hear what these industry leaders had to...

“A Deeper Dive into AI Tools for Utilities”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join these industry thought leaders as they took a deeper look into how the grid will be built out in order to support AI as well as the utility applications and value from utilizing AI.  Hear...

“Data Centers Everywhere: Preparing for the AI, EV, and Cryptocurrency Energy Surge”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join these industry thought leaders as they discuss the rise in global energy demand from AI, EVs, cryptocurrency and data centers, and the impact that this rise is having on the grid.  A hot topic...

“Utility Quantum Computing – Is Now the Time?”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join these industry thought leaders as they discuss the impact that quantum computing may have to meet the high compute needs for the utility of the future.  With the breakthrough potential that quantum computing offers...

“Advancements in AI Innovation Impacting Utilities”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join these industry thought leaders as they discuss the myriad of advancements being made in the field of artificial intelligence and the impact that A.I. is having on utilities.  A.I. is everywhere these days and...

“Policy & Politics Impacting the Evolution of the Grid”

Recorded at the 2024 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Kansas City:  Join utility industry experts as they explore the major policies and politics that impact and influence the evolution of the grid.  As utilities continue to innovate and invest in new initiatives, the landscape becomes increasingly...

Nokia and SCE Transform Energy Management with Private 5G Field Area Network

(Nov 2024) Nokia and Southern California Edison (SCE) have set a new benchmark for utility innovation with the launch of North America’s first private 5G Field Area Network (FAN), earning the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Energy and Utilities” award. Read the full story...

UBBA Unplugged – Episode 6

In this episode of UBBA Unplugged, we're joined by Duke Energy Lead IT Architect for Cellular, Juan Macias. Hear from Juan as he explores multivendor SIM capabilities and shares his perspectives on what utilities should consider when adapting to new vendors and technologies.

UBBA Unplugged – Episode 5

In this episode of UBBA Unplugged, we're joined by NOKIA Head of Enterprise Market Unit for Mobile Networks Jeff Pittman. Hear from Jeff as he shares his perspectives on the critical role UBBA is playing throughout the industry and lessons learned along the way.

UBBA Unplugged – Episode 4

In this episode of UBBA Unplugged, we're joined by Southern Linc Director of Engineering, Alan McIntyre. Listen in as Alan shares an update on exciting initiatives underway with Southern Linc and what they mean to our industry.

Nokia and Anterix pave the way for 5G adoption with completion of industry’s first 3GPP B106 data call

Helps to future-proof utility investments by paving the way for 5G adoption, ensuring their standards-based technology choice for the long term.

UBBA Unplugged – Episode 3

Listen as UBBA Executive Director Bobbi Harris joins Rob Schwartz, President & CEO of Anterix, to discuss the evolution of the Utility Broadband Alliance and celebrate UBBA's third birthday.

UBBA Summit Thought Leadership – Cybersecurity

Listen as utility industry leaders share thoughts on the importance of cybersecurity and private LTE at the 2023 Summit & Plugfest

UBBA Members Discuss Modernizing Utility Telecom

2023 UBBA Summit & Plugfest Voice of the Members

The Value of UBBA Membership

2023 Voice of the Members

UBBA Unplugged – Episode 2

Listen as UBBA Chairman of the Board Ali Mohammed from New York Power Authority shares his insights on critical utility initiatives.

“Zero Trust in a Consumer-Driven World”

Recorded at the 2023 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Minneapolis:  Join utility industry experts as they explore communications strategies and integrated technologies designed to ensure safety across the energy grid. From substations to meters, and from initial detection to final response, utility physical and cyber security...

“The Role of AI in the Digital Grid”

Recorded at the 2023 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Minneapolis:  From forecasting demand to advanced self-healing grid management, Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered utility  infrastructure is the talk of the year.  These next-generation intelligence systems can monitor equipment for potential outages or failures and respond to disruption...

“Trends in Utility Innovation – Balancing Innovation & Investments”

Recorded October 11, 2023 at the UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Minneapolis: Utility Industry Perspectives – “Trends in Utility Innovation” Jennie Bratten will open with session with her insights on the latest trends in the energy/utility industry, and then invite panelists to join her for...

“EVs, DERs & AMI 2.0 – Oh My!”

Recorded October 12, 2023 a the UBBA summit & Plugfest in Minneapolis.  – Grid Modernization goals for enhancing reliability and resiliency require a highspeed network to enable a variety of supporting utility use-cases. Integrating Electric Vehicles and Distributed Energy Resources, and migration of the next generation...

“Insights from Utility Technology Leaders”

Recorded October 12, 2023 in Minneapolis – Utilities collectively are under increasing pressure to act to ensure their critical infrastructure is ready to meet aggressive clean energy targets and harden the electric grid for improved resilience and security. Data and communications technologies underpinning grid operations...

“Successful Journeys to PLTE”

Panel recorded Oct 12, 2023 at the UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Minneapolis. No one size fits all in the utility space! This session will offer insights into four utilities’ journeys to private LTE for operational use cases and future grid solutions. SPEAKERS: Alan McIntyre...

“Innovation & Inspiration Beyond the Digital Divide”

UBBA Summit & Plugfest 2023 Keynote CEO of UScellular, Laurent Therivel offers his insights as the special keynote at the 2023 UBBA Summit & Plugfest. Click the image below to listen to his key messages with an introduction by Kim Kerr, SVP at UScellular.

“The Future Looks Bright at Xcel Energy”

Recording from the 2023 UBBA Summit & Plugfest Click the image below to watch this panel from the 2023 UBBA Summit & Plugfest in Minneapolis. Join Xcel Energy’s Tim O’Conner, EVP & COO, Eric Levin, Chief Architect and Tawnya Fielder, VP of Applications for a...

UBBA Unplugged – Episode 1

Listen to the first episode of the new UBBA Unplugged podcast with special guest Carlos Carazo from Southern California Edison.

Digital Paper: The Inherent Risks of Doing Nothing

Looking Forward – 2022 Summit & Plugfest

Coming Together- 2022 Summit & Plugfest

2022 UBBA Summit & Plugfest Sizzle Reel

Webinar Recording: How IoT technologies bring flexibility and enhanced coverage to private LTE solutions

Presentations from 2022 UBBA Summit & Plugfest – Tuesday Tech Sessions

Each utility strategy is different and UBBA is the best resource for utilities to ask questions and collaborate about broadband solutions to meet the coverage, resilience, reliability, and cybersecurity requirements for their utility.  Reliable and resilient communications are critical for power utility operations.  The loss...

UBBA Summit & Plugfest 2022 Utility Workload Tests

2022 UBBA Summit & Plugfest unedited recording of the Plugfest Testing area

UBBA Summit & Plugfest 2022 Mission Critical PTT Tests

2022 UBBA Summit & Plugfest testing unedited recordings

UBBA Summit – Plugfest 2022 Women in Utilities Leadership Panel

2022 UBBA Summit & Plugfest was the culmination of utility collaboration and ecosystem leaders coming together to solve utility LTE challenges. Watch the Women in Utility Leadership Panel

UBBA Summit & Plugfest 2022 Keynote: Jill Anderson

2022 UBBA Summit & Plugfest was the culmination of utility collaboration and ecosystem leaders coming together to solve utility LTE challenges.

Operating a Private LTE Network

See The Whitepaper Utilities and their customers have been focused on electric service reliability since the first systems were installed. Today, the electric grid is growing more complex as we add electrical loads and generation in places not anticipated in the original grid designs. Our very own Cybersecurity working group that is comprised of thought…

Hosting Options for a PLTE Network

See The Whitepaper Utilities and their customers have been focused on electric service reliability since the first systems were installed. Today, the electric grid is growing more complex as we add electrical loads and generation in places not anticipated in the original grid designs. Our very own Cybersecurity working group that is comprised of thought…

T&D World Article: Connect to Protect: Private Communications Networks

May 4, 2022  –  SDG&E deploys a private communications network to monitor and maintain its grid in real time, so it can reduce its wildfire risk. by Omar Zevallos, SDG&E More than half of the largest wildfires in California’s history have occurred in the past...

News from Nokia: EPB Launches America’s First Community-wide 25 Gig Internet Service

Aug 24, 2022: EPB Launches America’s First Community-wide 25 Gig Internet Service READ MORE: https://epb.com/newsroom/press-releases/epb-launches-americas-first-community-wide-25-gig-internet-service/ 

OneLayer whitepaper “Emerging Attack Vectors & Techniques”

OneLayer – Emerging Attack Vectors and Techniques

Recorded Webinar: As your private network rolls out, is your SIM management ready to scale

UBBA Coming Together To Solve Utility LTE

UBBA’s Plugfest was the culmination of collaboration and ecosystem leaders coming together to solve utility LTE challenges. “Each utility strategy is different and UBBA is the best resource for utilities to ask questions and collaborate about broadband solutions to meet the coverage, resilience, reliability, and cybersecurity requirements for their utility,” said UBBA Vice Chairman John…

UBBA Summit & Plugfest: Utility Use Case Focus

UBBA’s Plugfest featured critical use cases such as FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration), Capacitor Bank Controllers, Smart Streetlighting, and next-gen smart meters, to name a few. Hosted by UBBA founding member Ameren Missouri, the test cases were identified by the UBBA Use Cases & Testbeds Working Group and led by the UBBA Plugfest…

UBBA Summit & Plugfest: Overview

The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) held its inaugural Utility Broadband Plugfest to test LTE networks for utility use cases in St. Louis. UBBA delivered a sold-out, in-person event culminating with the first Utility Broadband Plugfest, which showcased the innovation, collaboration, and interoperability of utility use cases and devices on public and private LTE networks

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Panel: Industry Alliances- Moving Forward Together

Why are Alliances so critical to utility infrastructure evolution? Our industry leaders will share their experiences and vision for collaboration among associations. Speakers: Jerry Gentry (NYPA), Tim Godfrey (EPRI), John Hughes, Vice Chairman of UBBA (Ameren), Koustuv Ghoshal (Ericsson), and Mar Tarres (Anterix) Moderated by: Matt Olson (Burns & McDonnell)

UBBA Summit & Plugfest: Morning Session Plugfest Testing Day 1

UBBA delivered the first LTE Plugfest to St. Louis in October 2021, to showcase the innovation, collaboration and interoperability of utility use cases on private LTE networks. This is the recording of the first morning plugfest on Day 1 of the event. Moderated by: Matt Olson (Burns & McDonnell)

UBBA Summit & Plugfest: Afternoon Session Plugfest Testing Day 1

UBBA delivered the first LTE Plugfest to St. Louis in October 2021, to showcase the innovation, collaboration and interoperability of utility use cases on private LTE networks. This is the recording of the afternoon Plugfest tests on Day 1 of the event. Emcee: Matt Olson (Burns & McDonnell)

UBBA Celebrates Membership Growth in First Year

Closing Out 2021 with Increased Interest and New Members Dec 20, 2021 –The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA)  is a collaboration of utilities and ecosystem partners dedicated to championing the advancement and development of private broadband networks for America’s critical infrastructure industries. Members have access to resources that...

UBBA Summit & Plugfest: Morning Session Plugfest Testing Day 2

UBBA delivered the first LTE Plugfest to St. Louis in October 2021, to showcase the innovation, collaboration and interoperability of utility use cases on private LTE networks. This is the recording of the morning Plugfest tests on Day 2 of the event. Emcee: Matt Olson (Burns & McDonnell)

UBBA Business Working Group -Broadband FAQ

What is Broadband? The UBBA Business Working Group created several educational tools to help the industry learn more about the strategies and opportunities available.

UBBA Business Working Group -Broadband Acronyms List

The UBBA Business Working Group created several educational tools to help the industry learn more about the strategies and opportunities available.

Cybersecurity: Benefits of a Private LTE Network

See The Whitepaper Utilities and their customers have been focused on electric service reliability since the first systems were installed. Today, the electric grid is growing more complex as we add electrical loads and generation in places not anticipated in the original grid designs. Our very own Cybersecurity working group that is comprised of thought…

UBBA Summit & Plugfest: Anterix Demos During Lunch at Plugfest

Anterix Active Ecosystem Demos during lunch at the UBBA Summit & Plugfest

UBBA Letter to The FCC on 6 GHz Stay Petition (14DEC2021)

UBBA filed this letter to the Secretary of the Federal Communications Commission on December 14, 2021, regarding support for EEI’s petition and Request for Stay on 6 GHz, as filed 12/7 in the FCC’s ET Docket No. 18-295; GN Docket No. 17-183.

The Urgent Need for a Licensed Broadband Spectrum Allocation for Critical Infrastructure

More than 3,000 electric utilities across the US are each managing multiple—sometimes more than a dozen—wireless networks in support of grid operations, workforce management, and customer service. Typically, these networks have been developed in an ad hoc manner for application-centric purposes.

UBBA Summit & Plugfest: Speakers Montage

Watch the 2 minute video montage to experience the Leadership of UBBA!

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Panel: Top priorities for utility leaders in the age of the clean, secure and digital grid

Speakers: Bhavani Amirthalingam (Ameren), Omar Zevallos (SDG&E), Jerry Gentry (NYPA), Joe Mellott (Evergy)...

UBBA Policy & Advocacy Position Statement on 6 GHz Interference

UBBA is opposed to efforts by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand spectrum for new technologies and consumer uses in such a way as to produce harmful interference with the critical operations...

UBBA Summit & Plugfest: Plugfest Montage

The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) held its inaugural Utility Broadband Plugfest to test LTE networks for utility use cases in St. Louis. UBBA delivered a sold-out, in-person event culminating with the first Utility Broadband Plugfest, which showcased the innovation, collaboration, and...

UBBA Voice of the Members: Koustuv Ghoshal

The 2021 UBBA Summit & Plugfest welcomed nearly 300 utility industry leaders to St. Louis for two days of thought leadership and technical testing. While in St. Louis we captured many voices of our members sharing their thoughts on the Alliance. Here is a video from Koustuv Ghoshal from Ericson.

UBBA Voice of the Members: David Allen

The 2021 UBBA Summit & Plugfest welcomed nearly 300 utility industry leaders to St. Louis for two days of thought leadership and technical testing. While in St. Louis we captured many voices of our members sharing their thoughts on the Alliance. Here is a video from David Allen from UScellular. Click below to watch this…

UBBA Voice of the Members: Mauricio Subieta

The 2021 UBBA Summit & Plugfest welcomed nearly 300 utility industry leaders to St. Louis for two days of thought leadership and technical testing. While in St. Louis we captured many voices of our members sharing their thoughts on the Alliance. Here is one from Dr. Mauricio Subieta from Nokia. Click below to watch this…

UBBA Voice of the Members: Griselda Aldrete

Griselda Aldrete from Alliant Energy and one of the new UBBA Board of Directors shares her Voice of the Member. Click below to watch this UBBA Voice of the Members segment:

UBBA Voice of the Members: Ron Brady

The 2021 UBBA Summit & Plugfest welcomed nearly 300 utility industry leaders to St. Louis for two days of thought leadership and technical testing. While in St. Louis we captured many voices of our members sharing their thoughts on the Alliance. Here is a video from Ron Brady of Xcel Energy. Click below to watch…

Rural Broadband Playbook

This document provides a high-level overview of the options for utility support of broadband internet service deployment to underserved customers. While electric utilities of all types are considering or making investments in their own private wired and wireless broadband communications infrastructure primarily.

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Panel: Help for the Urgent Needs for Rural Broadband

Ensuring home broadband internet access—particularly in rural areas—has long been a national priority, but efforts to bridge the digital divide gained increased urgency in the face of safety measures taken to combat the pandemic. As the federal government amplifies its longstanding strategy of providing funding to entice commercial deployment of broadband service in otherwise uneconomical…

UBBA Voice of the Members: Rob Schwartz

The 2021 UBBA Summit & Plugfest welcomed nearly 300 utility industry leaders to St. Louis for two days of thought leadership and technical testing. While in St. Louis we captured many voices of our members sharing their thoughts on the Alliance. Here is one from Rob Schwartz, CEO of Anterix. Click below to watch this…

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Presentation: Mobile Network Providers can complement a Utilities’ Private Network Objectives

Whether Utilities want to operate their own private LTE network, use the existing mobile operator’s networks, or a hybrid approach in between, Mobile Network Operators can support a range of integrated solutions that balance the Utilities need for control, data localization and security with access to mobile networks for coverage, roaming, and fail-over capabilities. Speaker: James…

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Keynote: Planning for the Network to Run Grid Modernization Today and Tomorrow

Ameren Chief Procurement Officer & VP of Supply Chain will insights on planning for innovation and procurement strategies for the future of the utility networks. Speaker: Pardeep Gill (Ameren)

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Panel: Preparing and Protecting the Network Through Technology Advancements

Utilities are experiencing the next-generation evolution of SCADA, AMI and Smart City applications. With rising software and penetration attacks – the potential for sophisticated cyber attackers to breach and gain control of a utility’s smart grid. This panel will build off Gill’s keynote and discuss strategies for working with supply chain partners can pull all…

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Panel: Accelerating the Private LTE Ecosystem

Utilities are increasingly focused on the wireless broadband data communications networks necessary to enable their historic efforts to modernize the grid. A major concern in selecting network technology and radio spectrum: ensuring a broad, vibrant marketplace for equipment, applications, and services to support initial deployment as well as ongoing operations and maintenance. Nobody wants to…

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Panel: Innovation in IoT

How to leverage technology transition to reap the massive potential of the smart utilities market. We will discuss the advantages for utilities in the new 5G world. Intelligent communication capability built into the IoT network and layered with security that best protects utility operations. Panelists: Jitender Vohra (Telit), Jeff Tufts (Cisco), David Allen (UScellular) and…

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Panel: What Does it Take to Run a Private LTE Network?

Insights from the Business Working Group paper focused on what happens after deployment. What skills utilities need to hire for and what options are available to them. Panelists: Tom Bedics (SouthernLinc), Ron Brady (Xcel Energy), Mauricio Subieta(Nokia), and Patrick Nolan (Ameren). Moderator: Paul Anuszkiewicz (Palmetto Technology Associates)

UBBA Summit & Plugfest Session: 6GHz Interference with Utility Communications Call to Action

Get the background and the latest status on the FCC’s efforts to permit unlicensed use of the entire 6GHz Licensed Microwave band for Wi-Fi. Plus speakers will share the results of real-world testing by Southern Company, Lockard & White and EPRI of the first commercially available 6GHz Wi-Fi Access Points; Demonstrating the true interference with…

The Inherent Risks of Doing Nothing

Today’s utilities are becoming more and more dependent on data, real-time data, to operate their networks safely and efficiently. Many utilities are currently evaluating the automation and modernization of their communications systems.

Exploring the Capabilities of LTE/5G to Enhance Utility Use Cases

Wireless technologies enable wide area coverage that can flex between latency and speed.

Use Case: Mobile Workforce Management

One key component of the utility’s operations is the management of their work crews that install and maintain the grid infrastructure.

Use Case: AMI

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters generate vast amounts of data that can help utilities optimize their services delivery and network. A connected digital grid can help increase efficiencies and cut costs.

Video: NYPA successfully tests drone flights using Private LTE wireless network for close-up inspections of power lines

UBBA members Nokia and NYPA share video of PLTE test for drone inspections

Power Grids, Meet Strong Networks

We’re on the verge of a very different world for utilities as they face a dramatic business and technological transformation. Power, communications, transportation, infrastructure and even public safety are becoming interconnected and interdependent as utilities develop the intelligent grid.

Use Case: VoltVar and FLISR

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) including demand response, efficiency programs and Distributed Generation (DG) from solar and wind help keep the electric grid balanced and reliable.

Nokia Video: Converged Private LTE and IP/MPLS FAN

Video: NYPA successfully tests drone flights using Private LTE wireless network for close-up inspections of power lines

Use Case: Fire Mitigation

The latest urgent issue for electric utilities is fire prevention. Powerline-caused wildfires put a utility and their customers at a tremendous risk both financially and more importantly threaten their safety and security. The fact that a single wildfire like the Camp Fire can cause so...

Whitepaper Storm Recovery Story from WESCO/Anixter

When Hurricane Laura made landfall early in the morning on August 27, 2020 with sustained winds of 150 mph, and higher gusts as it roared ashore, it became one of the top five hurricanes overall to hit the U.S.

Nokia Press Release: Service offering diversification with private wireless – QTnet (Kyushu Electric Power) in Japan

Video: NYPA successfully tests drone flights using Private LTE wireless network for close-up inspections of power lines

Use Case: Land Mobile Radio

Utilities rely on their land mobile radios (LMR) and the communications infrastructure that connects them. When cellular carrier service becomes unavailable during or after a natural disaster, utilities need secure, ultra-reliable communications.

Use Case: Utility Structure Lighting

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), all structures exceeding 200 feet above ground level, and under 200 feet in height when they may interfere with the flight path of an airport, must be appropriately marked with tower lights.

UBBA Business Working Group Commercial Roaming Position Paper

Utilities rely on their land mobile radios (LMR) and the communications infrastructure that connects them. When cellular carrier service becomes unavailable during or after a natural disaster, utilities need secure, ultra-reliable communications.

How the innovative device ecosystem is enabling end-to-end use cases for utilities

Enabling smarter, safer and more connected utilities requires cooperation, collaboration and partnership between device manufacturers and network infrastructure providers. This ecosystem panel of experts will discuss solutions that bring redundancy to cellular infrastructure, coordinate power generation, monitor power distribution and ensure employee safety. Thought leaders...

Private LTE Broadband Changes the Game for Utilities

The electric utility business is fundamentally more complex today than it was even five years ago: once primarily the supplier of centrally-produced power, the utility is now the master orchestrator of a multitude of distributed energy resources. Enabling the modern grid requires a solid foundation of certain strategic technologies, including private wireless broadband communications.

Webinar: Building Momentum for the 900 PLTE Ecosystem

Moderated by Mark Poulin (Anterix) and featuring a panel of industry experts, including, Faramarz Maghsoodlou (Qualcomm Technologies), Jitender Vohra (Telit), Warren Westrup (Sierra Wireless), and Brundaban Sahoo (Motorola Solutions).

New Private LTE Group Focuses on Business Case, Technology for Utilities

The Utilities Broadband Alliance (UBBA), formed earlier this year and spearheaded by founding member Anterix, formerly pdvWireless, is addressing the business case for private Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks for utilities, along with use cases and technology considerations.

Anterix’s Industry Insights Roundtable: Visioneering the Private Networked Grid of the Future

Hosted by Pete Tseronis (Dots & Bridges) with a distinguished panel of industry experts and practitioners, Andy Bordine (Anterix), Ahmad Faruqui (Brattle Consulting), Rick Schmidt (Black & Veatch), and Scott Schoepel (Motorola).

Anterix’s Industry Insights Roundtable: Visioneering the Private Networked Grid of the Future Part II

Hosted by Pete Tseronis (Dots & Bridges) with special guests Bruce Albright (Burns & McDonnell), Bobbi Harris (UBBA), Chris Trabold (General Electric).

Anterix Webinar: The Network Effect of Grid Communications

Join Guidehouse Analyst Richelle Elberg, author of Private LTE Networks Position Utilities for Industry Transformation, Alan McIntyre of Southern Company, Chris Guttman-McCabe, Chief Regulatory and Communications Officer of Anterix, and moderator Kevin Malloy, Vice President of Customer Solutions and Strategic Development of Anterix, to hear more from them about the concept of a future grid communications network effect.

Utility Broadband Alliance to Provide a Powerful Industry Advantage

pdvWireless has announced that Southern Linc will serve as a founding member of an alliance of utilities and vendors that will become a hub of information sharing, collaboration and planning. The aim is to assist the development of private wireless broadband networks owned by and dedicated to utilities.

Keeping the Lights On with Dedicated LTE

A case study of how Southern Linc, the wireless communications network backed by the strength and reliability of Southern Company, transitioned to a highly reliable LTE network while meeting strict security requirements.

Smart Energy International – Utility Broadband Alliance and the Mandate to Ensure Reliable Communications

The number of devices featuring cellular or satellite connectivity deployed in oil and gas applications is expected to reach 1.9 million units by 2023 from 1.3 million at the end of 2018.

Smart Energy International: The importance of private broadband for grid modernisation

In support of America’s transforming critical infrastructure, the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) has been advancing and developing private long-term evolution (LTE) broadband as a key communications infrastructure for a secure, resilient, digital grid. UBBA founding member Southern Linc hosted the UBBA’s first annual summit in Birmingham, Alabama early October, where utility executives, industry technology leaders along with representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Edison Electric Institute (EEI), and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) explored key challenges facing electric utilities and examined private broadband networks as a critical element of the transforming grid.

2019 UBBA Summit

This short podcast includes highlights of Tami’s Keynote, which covered areas such as Southern Linc’s needs that brought them to the decision to stand up a Private Network and their experience doing so.

Interview with Craig Tedrow, Senior Product Manager at GE’s Grid Solutions Business, and vice-chair of the Utility Broadband Alliance’s (UBBA) Business working group

I am a Senior Product Manager, within GE’s industrial communications product line, working for the MDS wireless group. My education is in electrical engineering at Geneva College, and I’ve spent 21 years executing software design and firmware development. Most of that was here at MDS doing wireless product design and development focused on the energy and industrial industries.

Utility Industry Leaders Join to Champion Private Broadband Networks

United in advancing the development and adoption of dedicated wireless broadband networks for utilities, a diverse group of power providers, technology innovators, and industry leaders are establishing the Utility Broadband Alliance.

Daily Energy Insider: Utility Broadband Alliance hosts summit to address key industry challenges

The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) hosted a two-day summit for utility executives and industry technology leaders to explore key challenges facing electric utilities.

Interview with Allen Tharp, Senior Manager – Network Strategy, at Xcel Energy and chair of the Utility Broadband Alliance’s (UBBA) Use Cases working group

I started my career working at Motorola installing wireless systems as a field engineer/project leader, and I later returned to serve as a systems engineer manager for worldwide deployments.

Opportunities for Utility Private Broadband Networks

This webinar, sponsored by UBBA, brings together utility and technology leaders to share their experiences on broadband infrastructure and looks at the following key areas: understanding the business opportunities and industry challenges that utilities must take into consideration; real utility drivers and solutions for private broadband; technology, spectrum and use cases.

Utilities, Tech Firms Form Alliance for Private Industrial IoT Networks

A group of companies representing telecom equipment vendors, spectrum licensees, and utilities has formed an alliance to advance the development of private broadband networks for energy providers.  The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) includes 13 founding companies that want to drive modernization efforts in the nation's grid and other industrial IoT applications.

Utility Broadband Alliance priorities and focus

Bobbi Harris, member engagement and operations lead at the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA), discusses how her organization came to be and what's next for it and its members.

Utility Broadband Alliance chases LTE, challenges MNOs

Following a soft launch in February at DISTRIBUTECH, membership of the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) has grown to 19 member organizations, all working hard to formulate the Alliance working groups and overall Alliance focus.

The UBBA’s First Steps

Bobbi Harris, member engagement and operations lead at the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA), discusses how her organization came to be and what's next for it and its members.

pdvWireless, Southern Linc Ally on Private Broadband for Utilities

pdvWireless and Southern Linc partnered to form an alliance of utilities and vendors that will become a hub of information sharing, collaboration, and planning to assist the development of private wireless broadband networks owned by and dedicated to utilities.

Reasons Behind 6.8% Increase in IoT Devices for Oil and Gas

The number of devices featuring cellular or satellite connectivity deployed in oil and gas applications is expected to reach 1.9 million units by 2023 from 1.3 million at the end of 2018.

Power Brokers: Utilities Explore Their Role in 4G & 5G

Following a soft launch in February at DISTRIBUTECH, membership of the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) has grown to 19 member organizations, all working hard to formulate the Alliance working groups and overall Alliance focus.

T&D World: Summit Addresses Importance of Private Broadband for Grid Modernization

In support of America’s transforming critical infrastructure, the Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) is dedicated to advancing and developing private LTE broadband as key communications infrastructure for a secure, resilient, digital grid.

pdvWireless Refocuses on 900 MHz Spectrum Leasing, Forms New Utility Alliance

Morgan O’Brien’s pdvWireless continues to evolve with an updated business model that includes leasing the company’s 900 MHz spectrum and consulting on private Long Term Evolution (LTE) as it continues to await an FCC decision on its more than four-year-old plan to realign the 900 MHz band for broadband operations.

The Installed Base of Wireless IoT Devices in the Oil and Gas Industry Reached 1.3 Million in 2018

According to a new research report from the M2M/IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the number of devices featuring cellular or satellite connectivity deployed in oil and gas applications amounted to 1.3 million at the end of 2018.