US utilities comms market report offers insights

A report on the US utilities communications market suggests there are at least 12 licensed spectrum options in 17 bands available right now.

The Navigant Research report looks at licensed wireless solutions and provides recommendations and an overview of the bands available.

According to the report, when it comes to wireless connectivity for smart grids, utilities have mainly used unlicensed spectrum rather than buying licensed spectrum, in part because of the high cost.

However, as the Internet of Things ramps up, data transmission may slow or become unreliable, leading some utilities to consider the switch to licensed solutions.

“While smart grid solutions that use unlicensed spectrum bands are readily available and have done the job for utilities to date, as more people and things become connected, there is a real risk of interference and performance degradation in unlicensed bands,” said Richelle Elberg, principal research analyst with Navigant Research.

“Utilities should consider licensed spectrum options for a variety of applications today and to ensure network control and capacity availability for the longer term.”

The report suggests that spectrum ownership or creative partnering or lease deals are expected to become more attractive — or even critical — as long-term solutions.

Although investments are often driven by shorter-term rate case and regulator demands or specific application needs, licensed spectrum has advantages that will persist for decades, providing those with exclusive rights a competitive advantage.

The report covers options for and case studies of licensed wireless solutions and provides actionable recommendations. Private LTE options are discussed as well, including unlicensed LTE.

It also provides an overview of licensed bands available for purchase or lease applications and discusses the use cases and rationale for utility spectrum ownership in the long term, as well as examples of utility spectrum purchases, and discloses pricing trends.

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