In this session, we will discuss how Private LTE is moving into the utility space, why it is happening, and why it is urgent to move now. With utilities changing in so many ways, carbon neutral/renewable generation, Distribution Grid modernization, reliability goals consistent with changing weather patterns, electric vehicles, reduction in gas appliances for heating, hot water, cooking, etc., the utilities are having to adapt many new devices to monitor the changes these things create. Never has there been more demand for an industry to change so quickly, yet the "how to accomplish this" is still being developed. The one sure thing is that all these changes will require monitoring and control, which will require a comprehensive communications strategy.

While LTE does not represent the entire strategy, it is the best technology choice to provide many of these services. While it does not replace the fiber strategy, it complements it by giving a "last mile" solution that is far less expensive than fiber to the endpoints. It can replace nearly all wireless communications the utility uses today, including LMR being replaced by Mission Critical Push-To-Talk. The "why now" discussion will include the pressures that are being felt to achieve not only these things today but spectrum availability challenges, time to deployment and many other factors that will be covered.

Key Takeaways:
Modernization opportunities across utilities
What Private LTE and MCPTT are important to consolidate operational considerations for utilities
Why the "now" is so important