By: Megan Finch
“The global 5G fixed wireless access market size was valued at USD 23.78 billion in 2022 registering a CAGR of 39.9% from 2023 to 2030.”(1) This rapid growth underscores the significance of advanced wireless infrastructure in modern industries. Sectors contributing to this growth include Utilities and Critical Infrastructure Industries (UCIIs) which are undergoing a profound transformation driven by the growing demand for reliable, secure, and scalable communication networks. To meet these evolving needs, utilities are adopting new technologies, as well as using Private LTE (pLTE) networks. While pLTE serves as a robust foundation, it also complements 5G advancements by providing a pathway for utilities to transition seamlessly into next-generation networks. This integration enables utilities to leverage the reliability and broad coverage of 4G while adopting the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G for more demanding applications.
A typical pLTE network consists of wireless base stations, core network equipment, user devices, and backhaul connections. Collectively, these components support a wide range of applications proven vital to utility operations. For instance, grid automation enables real-time communication between grid assets, supporting continuous monitoring and rapid responses to outages or equipment failures. Similarly, smart metering enhances billing accuracy, improves demand management, and quickly detects anomalies like energy theft. Worker safety also benefits significantly, with real-time connectivity improving situational awareness in remote or hazardous environments.
The effectiveness of a pLTE network relies heavily on the spectrum it uses. Licensed spectrum provides the stability, exclusivity, and security which are especially required for mission-critical communications. By leveraging dedicated spectrum, utilities can avoid interference in comparison to those supported by unlicensed networks, ensuring reliable and consistent performance for devices and systems that depend on real-time data. Private networks also allow utilities to avoid the outages, congestion and range limitations associated with public carrier wireless networks.
Spectrum choice also plays a critical role in optimizing base station placement. Lower frequency bands offer broader coverage, reducing the number of base stations needed to serve a given area. On the other hand, higher frequency bands support greater data capacity but require more base stations due to their shorter range. By carefully selecting the appropriate spectrum, utilities can minimize infrastructure costs, extend network reach into remote or hard-to-serve locations, and ensure seamless coverage across diverse environments. Similarly, Frequency Division Duplex “FDD” Spectrum is supported on more devices, but Time Division Duplex allows for greater efficiency by allowing the network to support applications that may have more traffic in one direction than the other – for example monitoring and metering applications. Strategic spectrum decisions allow utilities to balance cost, coverage, capacity, and traffic characteristics, creating a network tailored to their unique operational needs.
This strategic integration of advanced wireless technologies, private networks, and carefully chosen spectrum empowers utilities to build resilient, future-ready communication systems that drive efficiency, enhance safety, and support the evolving demands of modern energy infrastructure.
