OFCOM and EUTC- Updates
On 24th November 2023, UK Telecoms Regulator Ofcom published the following update on their ‘Call for Information’ (CFI) published in June 2023 requesting information on potential options for making spectrum available for utility telecoms should they conclude there is a need to do so.
“Responses to our June call for input provided us with updated information on the candidate spectrum bands that might be suitable to support the future operational communications needs of the utilities sector.
Our discussions with government indicate that it is committed to supporting a system that is fit for the future needs of the smart grid. Before making a decision on how to move forward, it is looking at the costs of all options to ensure value for money for energy consumers.
We continue to work closely with government to support its net zero goals.
We received 36 responses to our call for input (one confidential) from stakeholders representing the energy and water sectors, infrastructure providers, public bodies, equipment manufacturers, mobile network operators, and incumbent spectrum users from the PMSE and business radio communities.
- Stakeholders widely supported a focus on sub 1 GHz candidate bands which facilitate early deployment.
- The bands favoured by respondents if spectrum was required in the next few years were the 400 MHz and 700 MHz bands in Northern Ireland, and the 700 MHz band in Great Britain.
We will provide a further update on our next steps in due course, including any plans to consult on specific proposals should access to new spectrum be required to support a private network. We are continuing work to confirm the suitability of these bands for use by the utilities sector. In light of information provided in CFI responses, we also intend to further consider the longer term trends relating to the use of the 450 MHz band in the UK, taking account of the requirements of existing and potential future users.”
ITU Report on Utility Radiocommunications
In September 2023, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) published a report on Utility radiocommunications operating in the land-mobile service (URS) Report ITU-R M.2533-0:
Utility radiocommunications operating in the land-mobile service (itu.int)
This Report describes radiocommunication systems and applications in the land mobile service that can be used by electric, gas and water utilities, and highlights how utilities can utilize these systems to support their needs for mobile voice and data communications as well as fixed wireless access. Background information is provided in the Annexes on the operations and experiences of utilities that operate under the land mobile service in order to assist in understanding their communications needs.
Upcoming Events
UTCAL Annual Conference
The Utilities Telecom & Technology Council America Latina (UTCAL) will host their Annual Summit in 2024 from 9-12 April in the Windsor Barra Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Further details will be published in due course on their website:
The event convenes in Portuguese, English and Spanish with simultaneous translation provided.