Rapid advancements in smart automation technology continue to impact industry verticals, and utilities are no exception. There is a growing demand for utilities to provide critical infrastructure in an efficient, secure and reliable manner. But they also must maintain grid uptimes while ensuring that end users can easily access and monitor their utility usage in real time.
Private wireless networks offer efficiency, reliability, and security enhancements to the utility vertical by delivering smart technology and automation capabilities and essential features that increase protection against cyber security threats and improve worker safety.
After talking with our member companies and examining the utility vertical, we’ve identified the top three benefits for utilities deploying a private wireless network:
Enablement of Smart Technology Applications
Using a private network, utilities can deploy advanced applications, supplementing their current methodologies for collecting and responding to data from their grids. For instance, drones, smart meters, sensors, and other equipment connected to a private network, can easily moderate the entire grid from any location and efficiently address and resolve concerns. End customers can also make use of these modern monitoring technologies to view their utility usage and make rapid adjustments.
Increased Protection Against Cyber Attacks
As the utility grid becomes increasingly automated with an ever-increasing number of devices and applications accessing the network, potential exposure of the entire system to cyberattacks also grows. A private network allows utility operators to have increased control over their network, providing the ability to install additional cyber security features and applications – like identity and access controls – to protect against these threats.
Improved Worker Safety
The increased amount of automated equipment and applications made possible by deploying a private network improves worker safety by allowing utilities to promptly identify and address issues remotely across the entire grid. Private networks also provide workforce management with reliable connectivity and a secure communication channel.
In short, the role of private wireless networks within the energy and utility sector is growing as companies are increasingly inclined to establish their own private networks for greater control and ownership of their communication infrastructure. Likewise, it’s proving to be a dependable solution to support grid modernization and other operations that enhance systems security and overall worker safety.
The Alliance for private networks is championing the global industry adoption of private wireless networks in any available spectrum. Our deployment resources and tools accelerate digital transformation and are available to utility managers hoping to identify new methods for improving their operations. Explore our resources and tools on the Alliance website and contact us today to learn about available options.
