Spectrum

Overview

Utilities operate extensive wireless communications systems, which they use to support the safe, reliable, and effective delivery of essential energy and water services.  These wireless systems rely on radiofrequency spectrum to operate.  Utilities operate both land mobile radio and microwave wireless communications systems, and potential radiofrequency interference threatens the reliability and availability of their mission-critical communications.  Because of the increasing prevalence of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), impacts of decarbonization, and threats to their physical and cyber security, utility wireless communications systems are under increasing demands for higher bandwidth and greater coverage. In response to these increasing demands, some utilities are deploying private long-term evolution (PLTE) systems with higher capacity for land mobile communications, but utilities still need access to additional spectrum to support their increasing communications requirements.

Background

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates utility land mobile radio systems under Part 90 and it regulates utility microwave systems under Part 101 of the FCC’s Rules.  Congress, and its committees of jurisdiction on communications in the House and the Senate, enact laws that authorize access to additional spectrum for wireless communications and maintain oversight of the FCC’s spectrum policies and wireless regulations.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) oversees the federal government and military use of spectrum, and it is considering sharing certain federal spectrum bands with non-federal entities, including utilities as part of the National Spectrum Strategy. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) develops spectrum policy recommendations for consideration and adoption by the U.S. and other countries, and these recommendations are typically finalized during the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), which is held every four years and will next meet in 2027.   

UTC’s Spectrum Advocacy Activities

UTC advocates for policies to protect utility wireless communications against harmful interference and provide utilities with access to additional spectrum to meet their increasing communications requirements.  UTC has participated in a variety of FCC proceedings to protect utility operations against harmful interference and promote opportunities for utilities to access additional spectrum.  UTC also works with Congress on legislation and oversight of the FCC to promote access to additional spectrum for and protect against harmful interference to utility wireless communications systems.  UTC also advocates with the NTIA to provide utilities with access to additional spectrum and coordinate certain utility powerline carrier systems to avoid causing interference to federal government operations.  UTC is working at the ITU to develop a recommendation for access to spectrum for utilities worldwide.  Finally, UTC provides frequency coordination for utility land mobile radio and microwave systems, and it assists utilities with compliance with the FCC’s Part 90 and Part 101 rules governing their wireless systems.