Navigant Research Report Shows At Least a Dozen Licensed Spectrum Options Are Readily Available and Affordable for Utilities Today

Spectrum ownership and creative deals are expected to become more
attractive for long-term utility solutions

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#IoT–A new report from Navigant
Research examines licensed wireless solutions for utilities,
providing recommendations and an overview of 17 spectrum bands available.

When it comes to wireless connectivity for smart grid applications,
utilities have predominantly used unlicensed spectrum bands rather than
acquiring licensed spectrum, in part because of the high cost. However,
as the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes pervasive, data transmission may
slow or become unreliable, prompting utilities to consider the switch to
licensed solutions. Click
to tweet: According to a new report from @NavigantRSRCH,
there are at least a dozen licensed spectrum options readily available
and affordable for utilities today.

“While smart grid solutions that use unlicensed spectrum bands are
readily available and have done the job for utilities to date, as more
people and things become connected, there is a real risk of interference
and performance degradation in unlicensed bands,” says Richelle Elberg,
principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “Utilities should
consider licensed spectrum options for a variety of applications today
and to ensure network control and capacity availability for the longer
term.”

Spectrum ownership or other creative partnering or lease deals are
expected to become more attractive—or even critical—to long-term utility
solutions, according to the report. While networking investments are
often driven by shorter-term rate case and regulator demands or specific
application needs, licensed spectrum has advantages that will persist
for utility owners (or leaseholders) for decades, providing those with
exclusive rights a real competitive advantage.

The report, Accessing
Licensed Spectrum for Future-Proof Utility Networks, covers the
options for and case studies of licensed wireless solutions for
utilities and provides actionable recommendations for utilities. The
study provides an overview of 17 licensed spectrum bands available for
purchase or lease for utility applications and discusses the use cases
and rationale for utility spectrum ownership over the long term. It
explains the differences between leased and owned spectrum and describes
emerging shared spectrum paradigms. The report also provides examples of
utility spectrum purchases and discloses pricing trends. Private LTE
options are discussed as well, including unlicensed LTE. 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, Accessing Licensed Spectrum for Future-Proof Utility
Networks, 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]