Utilities and other critical infrastructure industries (CII) continue to have concerns about using commercial service providers to support their mission-critical, smart grid and other communications applications. In reply comments filed in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proceeding on the reliability of communications networks, UTC re-iterated that the Commission should not force utilities to use commercial service providers; instead it should allow utilities the ability to choose between private internal networks and commercial service providers as appropriate. Moreover, UTC recommended that the FCC provide utilities with access to suitable auction-exempt spectrum to ensure the safe, efficient and reliable delivery of essential electric, gas and water services to the public at large. Read more »

The nation’s second largest mobile wireless provider AT&T announced yesterday a $39 billion cash and stock transaction deal to buy third-ranked mobile carrier T-Mobile, a move that would vault AT&T to the top slot of wireless companies with a combined market share of around 44%. Upon the deal’s completion, the U.S. commercial wireless market will be dominated by two companies, Verizon and AT&T, which will lay claim to more than a combined 70% market share.

Although the ramifications of the deal for the utility industry are still emerging, at first blush the merger could increase the availability of LTE service, reduce the number of towers and collocation sites that the two separate carriers now use and alter the dynamics of the ongoing debate surrounding the 700 MHz D Block of spectrum. In addition, utilities could be able to negotiate cellular service contracts with AT&T that cover wider geographic expanses than is currently the case even though the reduced competition might alter the price, terms and conditions of those contracts. Read more »