In-vehicle connectivity enabled for SA Power Networks

Cradlepoint, a global leader in cloud-delivered 5G and LTE wireless network and security solutions, has announced it is enabling in-vehicle 5G and satellite connectivity for South Australia’s sole electricity distributor, SA Power Networks.

The solution, which provides time-saving live status updates to improve customer service, includes Cradlepoint NetCloud, running on Cradlepoint R1900 and R920 ruggedised routers. Using Starlink LEO satellites as the primary connection due to the remote locations where maintenance work takes place, SA Power Networks service vehicles can failover to cellular connectivity where satellite connections are poor. Reliable onsite connectivity enables field workers to immediately access critical information, troubleshoot and communicate fault status updates.

With over 2000 employees and around 1.7 million customers, SA Power Networks operates a 24-hour faults and emergencies hotline for its network, which covers approximately 178,000 m². To meet service-level agreements (SLAs), the business required a reliable, managed connectivity solution that incorporated satellite and 5G.

“Our field crews are working in regional and remote parts of the state, some of which have next to no cellular coverage,” said SA Power Networks’ Head of Powerline & Electrical Services, Paul Salter. “Without reliable service, crews could arrive at site to carry out works, but then need to travel to the nearest location with a cellular tower to communicate or access critical information related to the job.

“If there were further works required, crews would need to travel back and forth to the site until power was restored safely. This connectivity solution with Cradlepoint and Starlink is about improving restoration times and getting better outcomes for our customers.”

Cradlepoint was selected to manage connectivity following a competitive testing process and proof of concept, standing out from the competition by offering local support, enterprise-grade management and secure hosting across SA Power Networks’ fleet of cellular and Starlink-connected devices. Another factor was the robust build of the Cradlepoint devices, with the R1900 routers chosen for their ruggedness and ability to withstand harsh environments.

SA Power Networks utilises both active cellular and Starlink connectivity when the trucks are in cellular coverage, with Cradlepoint prioritising the best performing link. NetCloud Manager is a key resource for SA Power Networks, providing centralised visibility and management over the organisation’s entire fleet of devices, along with clear visibility of uptime and data usage across cellular and Starlink WAN interfaces. The Cradlepoint R1900 routers also provide Wi-Fi 6 access for users.

The security behind NetCloud Manager hosting, data and privacy management, as well as the ability to export information including SIM number for asset management from NetCloud Manager, have met key requirements for SA Power Networks’ daily operations. Cradlepoint also offers a limited lifetime warranty with NetCloud subscription and onshore cloud hosting, which was a regulatory requirement for SA Power Networks.

“The connectivity solutions we now have with Cradlepoint 5G and Starlink LEO Satellite are saving our field workers significant time on travel and administration effort,” Salter said. “For unplanned interruptions in regional areas, continuous connection is saving us an estimated 1845 hours a year by enabling and improving digital field switching; 1844 hours a year by making it easier for crews to close out and approve jobs; and 1230 hours a year in time previously spent travelling to find a connection.”

Looking ahead, SA Power Networks is now planning to leverage the R1900 extensibility capabilities using SDKs or Docker containers for automation in future projects.