For decades, utilities pioneered private cellular networks, such as CDMA in the 450 MHz band, followed by LTE and even WiMAX in some cases. Owning and operating a cellular network isn’t cheap, but the capex and opex buy them total control over coverage, cybersecurity, traffic prioritization, and quality of service (QoS) — capabilities they wouldn’t have if they were just another customer of a public network.
Over the past few years, two additional options have emerged for utilities and just about any other type of enterprise that want the benefits of a private network:
- Lease a virtual, private slice of a mobile operator’s public 4G or 5G network. The business gets exclusive access to this slice, so its data doesn’t mix with traffic from the operator’s other customers. This eliminates the expense and expertise of building and operating a network while still providing autonomy and control.
- A hybrid, where the business owns the core and RAN at its facilities but uses a private slice of a public network elsewhere. An example is a logistics provider whose trucks, trailers, and shipping containers use its private network at its warehouses and ports. When those assets leave those facilities, they switch to the private slice of the public network.
For more insights, see “Private Cellular: A Crash Course into Deciding Why, How, Where, and Which Technology.”
Benefits and Implementation Options
Spectrum is top consideration that applies to all private networks. For example, 450 MHz was a popular choice for private CDMA and GSM networks because signals travel farther at lower frequencies, so fewer base stations are required.
A new option is the 900 MHz band (896-901 MHz uplink and 935-940 MHz downlink). Also known as Band 106 when it’s used for LTE and n106 for 5G, 900 MHz is ideal for applications such as smart grids because signals can penetrate foliage and reach meters inside buildings and underground utility vaults.
B106/n106 was standardized in 3GPP Release 18. That means it’s compatible with many existing modules and antennas, such as those that support LTE Cat M1. For example, all Taoglas cellular antennas that cover LTE Band 8 (880-915 MHz uplink and 925-960 MHz downlink) will support B106/n106, too.
Nokia and Anterix, the largest 900 MHz licensee in the U.S., conducted the industry’s first 900 MHz data session in April 2024. This is another example of how B106/n106 is a viable option today rather than something years down the road.
