While commercial carriers may be able to meet some utility communications needs, most utilities will rely on private internal communications networks to support mission-critical applications that protect the safety, reliability and security of the nation’s electric grid and other critical infrastructure industries.

In reply comments posted last week in response to comments by AT&T to the FCC's Notice of Inquiry on 'Effects on Broadband Communications Networks Of Damage to or Failure of Network Equipment Or Severe Overload' (PS Docket No. 10-92, 75 Fed. Reg. 26180 (May 11, 2010), the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) noted that AT&T's comments claim that commercial broadband networks can support utility communications needs and that therefore the Commission should not provide utilities access to any spectrum for their private internal communications networks that are used to support smart grid and other applications, such as emergency response communications. However, access to spectrum will be critical for the cost effective and timely deployment of smart grid systems, and should be provided, notwithstanding carrier claims of reliability. Read more »