Utilities seeking to deploy next generation smart grid products that uses FCC-licensed spectrum, and open, standard-based technologies, have few options available to them. An IEEE working group developing the smart utility network (SUN) standard titled 802.15.4g is considering the addition of licensed channels to their draft document. But the effort is getting opposition from vendors that feel these narrow band channels cannot meet data throughput requirements being developed by NIST and other agencies. The 802.15.4g working group is wading through thousands of comments on the standard seeking to resolve conflicts between vendors that seek to ensure their products meet the standard while excluding others.

The draft standard that added 220 MHz, 450-470 MHz and 900 MHz licensed spectrum was narrowly defeated in an IEEE letter ballot earlier this year. UTC supports adding licensed channels to the standard and presented IEEE's working group with survey results that show surveyed members also seek licensed channels in the standard. If the frequencies below 1 GHz are removed from the draft, utilities that seek to buy 802.15.4g products must use license exempt channels rather than licenses that they may already hold. The comment resolution process continues and UTC will monitor the process, reporting back to the membership.