A new report from SNS Telecom & IT shows the utilities sector is accelerating its digital transformation through significant investments in private 5G and 4G cellular networks.
Known as Non-Public Networks (NPNs), private cellular networks are gaining traction worldwide across multiple industries, and utilities are emerging as a major adopter.
The report forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 15% for private networks in the utilities sector over the next three years. That pace of growth equates to nearly £2 billion in cumulative infrastructure spending between 2023 and 2026.
Private cellular deployments in utilities span a wide range of use cases. These include long-range 3GPP-based networks using sub-1 GHz bands to support smart grid communications, as well as purpose-built LTE and 5G systems delivering localized wireless coverage within critical facilities and operational sites.
Several notable implementations illustrate this shift:
- US deployments: Major utilities such as Ameren, Southern California Edison (SCE), and Xcel Energy are rolling out 3GPP-based private wireless networks to support grid modernisation and operational resilience.
- European initiatives: Companies like ESB Networks in Ireland and EDF in France are adopting private mobile networks to provide secure connectivity for smart grid applications and critical assets, including nuclear facilities.
- Asian rollouts: In Asia, China Southern Power Grid uses LTE-based private systems, while Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has deployed private 5G networks to improve monitoring, automation, and control capabilities.
The move toward private networks is driven by utilities’ need for resilient, secure, and efficient communications. Private cellular infrastructure supports improved grid efficiency, real-time monitoring, remote control of critical devices, and enhanced cybersecurity—making it central to modern utility operations.
For readers interested in the full analysis, SNS Telecom & IT’s report on utilities and private networks is available (paywalled) from the publisher.
(Photo by Adrian Diaz-Sieckel on Unsplash)
Related: FCC approval to open the 6 GHz band for low-power AR/VR devices is another recent development affecting wireless ecosystems.
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