Navigant Research Expects 5G Communications Technology to Dramatically Enhance Grid Networking Options

5G will deliver a step-change in public wireless networking and
offer the opportunity for a truly ubiquitous, futureproof network,
report finds

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#5G–A new report from Navigant
Research examines the 5G technology standard and its use cases,
focusing on smart grid applications and possible business model
opportunities.

5G communications technology is expected to underpin the Fourth
Industrial Revolution, where the confluence of ubiquitous mobile
broadband, pervasive sensing, and artificial intelligence promises to
drive massive change across industry and society. This coming generation
of wireless communications promises to make the Internet of Things (IoT)
and the Internet of Energy (IoE) a reality, while delivering added
benefits for power utilities. Click
to tweet: According to a new report from @NavigantRSRCH,
5G’s flexible, multi-spectrum, multi-function architecture will provide
a platform able to support critical latency-sensitive applications as
well as low power, low cost applications such as ubiquitous sensing
throughout the distribution grid.

“5G will deliver a step-change in public wireless networking that has
the potential to dramatically enhance the way utilities network their
grid assets and systems,” says Richelle Elberg, principal research
analyst with Navigant Research. “Many of the concerns utilities have
historically had with public networks should be alleviated, and the
opportunity for a truly ubiquitous, futureproof network is one that
utilities should not overlook as 5G networks come to fruition.”

In addition to enabling smart fleet management as well as edge computing
and cloud technologies for distributed automation and intelligent
control, 5G networks may also provide new business model opportunities
to power utilities, according to the report. Because the technology
depends upon dense small cell architecture, opportunities for utilities
to partner with carriers could arise, making dispersed assets such as
poles, wires, and rights of way valuable assets.

The report, 5G
and the Internet of Energy, provides an overview of the 5G
technology standard and its use cases. It discusses the many smart grid
applications these networks will support and proposes certain business
model opportunities it may create. The report also provides a discussion
of the global carriers and infrastructure vendors that are leading the
charge toward the 5G future. Utilities—and their vendors—planning
network upgrades over the next 5-10 years must fully understand the
longer-term implications of the 5G evolution as they consider their need
for future-proof and holistic connectivity. An Executive Summary of the
report is available for free download on the Navigant
Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides
market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often
highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research
focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology
markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry
analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep
examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the
Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation
Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information
about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services
firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s
professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical
expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage
and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and
clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or
legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare,
energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory,
consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s
practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and
delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found
at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the
report, 5G and the Internet of Energy, is a summary and reflects
Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend
analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain
and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this
press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a
complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s
conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither
Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any
of the information contained in this press release or the report.

Contacts

Navigant Research
Lindsay Funicello-Paul, +1-781-270-8456
[email protected]