UTC Supports New Option for Utilities to Access Spectrum and Equipment for Wireless Communications

ORLANDO, Fla. and WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2016 -- At the 2016 DistribuTech Conference in Orlando, the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) was pleased to be part of a select group invited to meet with AT &T and Nokia to discuss an exciting opportunity for utilities. During the breakfast meeting, AT &T announced that it would offer a long-term lease of spectrum for utilities to build a private, highly secure, reliable and high-capacity LTE network to ensure the safe, reliable and secure delivery of their core electric, gas and water services. The new solution combines AT &T spectrum with Nokia LTE technology.
"Utilities need access to radiofrequency spectrum because they have increasing communications needs for operational reliability, safety and security," said Brett Kilbourne, VP of Government and Industry Affairs at UTC. "The opportunity to access spectrum on a lease-basis through AT &T and to leverage technology solutions from Nokia represents a promising solution for utilities to meet their increasing communications needs."
The offering provides flexibility for utilities to choose different models for leveraging this spectrum, such that utilities may choose to build and operate the network themselves or they may choose to have AT &T provide communications services to the utility over the network. It also gives the utility the opportunity to leverage standardized equipment and expertise that is available from Nokia for use in the spectrum that AT &T is leasing.
"UTC looks forward to working with AT &T and Nokia on this exciting opportunity," said Bobbi Harris, VP of Market Strategy and Development at UTC. "It is encouraging to see this development, because it allows utilities to maintain control over their communications for mission critical operations that ensure operational safety, security and reliability." For more information about UTC and the opportunity to lease spectrum for a private wireless communications platform, contact Bobbi Harris at UTC.
About UTC
UTC is a global trade association dedicated to serving critical infrastructure providers. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, UTC creates a favorable business, regulatory and technology environment for our members who own or operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems in support of their core business. Serving the industry for more than 60 years, UTC's Mission is to shape the future of utility mission critical technologies by driving innovation, fostering collaboration and influencing public policy. www.UTC.org

CONTACT:Bobbi Harris, UTC
         VP Market Strategy   & Development
         [email protected] 
         202-833-6828