Xcel Energy partners with Anterix to use its 900 MHz spectrum

Xcel Energy signed a deal with Anterix to use the company’s 900 MHz spectrum throughout the company’s service territory in eight western and midwestern states.

As part of the deal, Xcel, via its Xcel Energy Services subsidiary, will use the 900 MHz spectrum for 20 years, with two optional ten-year extensions. Xcel intends to use the spectrum to deploy a private LTE network to support its grid modernization initiatives.

“Xcel Energy is focused on delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to the states, the communities, and the customers we serve. Our commitment to a clean energy future requires a modern grid capable of integrating a significant influx of distributed, renewable energy resources,” Tim Peterson, chief technology officer at Xcel Energy, said. “Secure, robust broadband communications is a critical element of the modern grid.”

Further, Xcel Energy has committed to an ongoing collaboration with Anterix, which includes joining the Utility Strategic Advisory Board of the Anterix platform. As a member of that board, senior executives from Xcel Energy will play a lead role in promoting and sharing experiences on its evaluation and trials of the Anterix integrated Platform.

“Xcel Energy is now the fourth major IOU to take that initial step toward joining the 900 MHz private broadband movement. Momentum continues to build, and as additional utilities follow suit, the opportunities for collaboration and scale will grow as well,” Anterix President and CEO Rob Schwartz said. “As a member of the Utility Strategic Advisory Board, Xcel Energy will join forces with many other organizations that are committed to the idea of adoption of private broadband and the solutions it can provide industry wide.”