Broadband alliance reaches milestone with 100 members

The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA) reached a major milestone, surpassing the 100-member mark with the recent addition of CenterPoint Energy, Duke Energy, and Lower Colorado River Authority.

UBBA, a utility-led alliance, incorporated in 2021, is dedicated to championing private broadband networks for critical infrastructure industries. While many utilities currently manage a multitude of siloed, narrowband wireless networks, private broadband offers a bit more. Specifically, it can provide the scale and efficiency required to meet customers’ needs for an evolving, distributed digital grid.

“A modernized grid requires high levels of security and efficiency that can only be achieved through the advancement of digital networks,” Carmine Reppucci, Southern Linc CEO, said. “Only private broadband can meet the demands for connectivity and efficiency that utility customers require. As a founding member, we share in UBBA’s goal of championing the advancement and development of these networks and are proud to help lead this mission.”

In addition to improved resiliency, cybersecurity and efficiency, private broadband networks are essential in helping utilities meet carbon reduction targets. Utilities adding renewables to the grid frequently leverage distributed energy resources (DERs) to provide critical grid stabilization. This, in turn, requires effective communication with these grid devices to realize the full range of capabilities.

“Meeting utility clean energy goals can only be achieved with high-speed network communication,” Carlos Carazo, managing director of Digital Grid Services at Southern California Edison and member of the UBBA board of directors, said. “We are excited to collaborate with other UBBA members on initiatives that help further the adoption of the ubiquitous broadband connectivity that can aid in reducing the grid’s reliance on carbon-based energy sources.”

UBBA members receive access to significant resources to help accelerate their journey to wireless broadband innovation. It allows them to incubate ideas, evaluate business cases and develop standards for critical infrastructure innovation using standards-based LTE broadband technology. Also, UBBA members ensure a faster, safer path to grid digitalization and modernization by learning from other members and their successes in broadband network advancement.

“The path toward grid modernization requires collaboration and information sharing,” Ali Mohammed, senior director of Digital Innovation & Transformation at New York Power Authority and chairman of the UBBA board of directors, said. “We created the UBBA so utilities seeking to enable digitalization and modernization could learn from their peers and receive best practices to help speed their journey. In just over two years since incorporation, UBBA has brought together major carriers, OEMs and the biggest utilities from across the industry. We are creating opportunities for members to leverage next-generation broadband networks to support grid digitalization and, ultimately, better serve their customers.”

UBBA will host its third annual UBBA Summit & Plugfest on October 10-12 in Minneapolis. Go to www.UBBAplugfest.org to learn more and register.