Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co ops
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PCS Tech and Blinq Networks discuss the opportunities and challenges of Private LTE, as well as a recent case study about deploying a fixed wireless network for a utility co-op in Kansas in record time during the pandemic.
Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co ops
Bringing Private
LTE to Electric Utilities
and Co-ops
Dan Stuart
Senior Systems Engineer
Edgar Espinoza
Director of Network Engineering
Taking advantage of the CBRS spectrum
Introduction: BLiNQ and PCS Technologies
Why are we here? Defining the Problem
Private LTE with CBRS. Our Solution.
Case Study: Velocity Internet
Key Takeaways
Q&A
A G E N D A
3
BLiNQ Networks is a manufacturer of broadband
internet hardware and is pivotal in facilitating
internet connectivity in hard-to-reach areas
across the United States and around the world.
BLiNQ’s products are uniquely positioned to
address some of the main challenges in the
deployment of rural broadband internet such as
line-of-sight issues and avoiding the costly and
lengthy process of building additional
infrastructure, requiring only access to towers to
mount the fixed wireless access equipment.
CBRS-ready hardware
Superior NLOS performance
‘Internet in a box’ all-integrated
solutions
Best cost per gigabit in the
industry (FW-300i)
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
Introduction: Who We Are
4
Introduction: Who We Are
Based in the Midwest since 1994,
we provide Wireless Networking and
Communications solutions to clients throughout the
United States. PCS Technologies combines a high
level of expertise in wireless communications with
extensive experience in designing and integration.
Utilizing advanced RF planning tools, microwave and
the latest broadband technologies, we build wireless
networks that are — efficient, dependable, scalable
and successful!
VALUE PROPOSITION
Broadband Wireless Turn-key Solutions
Provider and Systems Integrator
Core business has been serving
the WISP, Utility and Independent
Telco Community
Mobile Broadband projects for Federal,
State and Local Government
We design, implement, and support
all of the solutions that we sell
We are “factory-authorized” on all of
our product lines
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
D E F I N I N G T H E P R O B L E M
Why are we here ?
6
Why are we here?
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
Historically, utilities have preferred to
own their own communications
networks as it allows them more control
over network reliability, security and
coverage. Long-Term Evolution (LTE)
technology, once thought of only for
public wireless carriers, is now available
to utilities in a “private” form.
Private LTE is a game changer
because it addresses traditional reliability
and security concerns, but also provides
flexible and extensible capabilities that
can help a utility drive productivity and
improved grid operations.
As utilities implement more IoT sensors,
smart grid, and develop new connectivity
services to customers, the case for
building and operating a private, secure
LTE network becomes more attractive.
7
The Problem
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
Solving critical infrastructure
connectivity needs with private
broadband which provides enhanced:
The need for utilities to upgrade
critical communications infrastructure
is clear. Recent incidents of
cyberattacks, vandalism and severe
weather have brought the issue to the
forefront. Utilities are looking at private
fixed LTE to increase security, improve
growth potential and gain control.
Functionality
Reliability
Security
Scalability
Spectrum availability
9
Access to Spectrum: Your starting point
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
3550 MHz 3650 MHz 3700 MHz
Incumbent Uses, Priority Access
Licenses and General Authorized Access
A B C D E F G
PAL
Incumbent Uses,
WISPs and General
Authorized Access
FEDERAL
FSS
GAA
GAA GAA GAA
Spectrum Band Structure
80MHZ DEDICATED TO GAA, 70MHZ PAL
3.5 GHz (CBRS)
150MHZ OF SHARED SPECTRUM TO SPUR INNOVATION
150 MHz Spectrum Overlaps Global Bands 42 & 43
B48 – CBRS TDD
Federal Incumbents
Priority Access Licensees
General Authorized Access (licensed by rule / unlicensed)
User Priority
SAS
Light-licensing models for 3.5 GHz band open new ways to deploy and operate networks
cbrsalliance.org
10
Dynamic Protection Areas
Naval radars that use the
band infrequently
Fixed Satellite Service
E S C C O V E R A G E
Band 42 (TDD) Band 43 (TDD)
US 3.5 GHz CBRS
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
Private LTE with CBRS
Customer Internet Connectivity
SAS
INTERNET
NetLiNQ
(PointLiNQ , EMS, EPC Control Plane)
Data Center
CBRS, Management,
Optional LTE Control
FW-300i for FWA
Excellent architecture for WISP’s and
Private Networks
All in one macro base station
Fully FCC, 3GPP, OnGo compliant
Interoperable with 3rd party products
and all of the Spectrum Allocation Services
Capacity
Coverage
Spectrum
Availability
Reliability
Security
Future Proof
Interoperability
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops 11
12
1cc
1cc
1cc
2cc
2cc
3cc
MULTI CARRIER HIGH POWER CAT B
IN A SMALL CELL FORM FACTOR
FW-300i
System dimensions 55 x 45 cm
System weight 12 kgs
Wall or pole mountable
150W max power consumption
53 dBm/CC per sector
1 – 3 CC per sector
2x2 MIMO per sector
96 users per sector
COMPACT LTA MACRO CELL
Low-cost, high performance macro base station
with small cell dimensions and small cell price
Completely integrated design with
built-in antennas
3-sector, 180 degree coverage in small,
lightweight configuration
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
NetLiNQ EMS
Real Time Dashboard
Netcool Integration
Configuration , Performance
Fault and Security
Tagging of Devices
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
13
Set Discovery Details
Featured Project: Greenwood County KS
Customer: Velocity Internet / Butler Electric Coop, El Dorado, Kansas.
Challenge: Rapidly provide High-Speed Internet Access to the Greenwood County
Region.
Problem: The hilly terrain and low-density population of Greenwood County presented
several obstacles to obtain good quality connectivity, such as distance, coverage and
various difficulties due to terrain blockage.
Solution: Leverage CBRS Band and CBRS-ready hardware by BLiNQ to implement a
Private LTE network to meet tight timeline and service demands.
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops 15
Key Values Delivered:
Backed by a expert team, Velocity launched a fixed wireless
Private LTE network in under three months.
As of today, Velocity has double the size of initial deployment.
Velocity CBRS network can achieve speeds up to 100DL-10UL
Mbps for business and residents with BLiNQ.
Velocity has deployed CBRS into its existing network
complementing and improving customer reach and capacity.
Technical Expertise and Experience
16
How did we meet the challenge?
Follow a disciplined deployment strategy: gather
requirements, survey and planning, design, installation,
operation and full life-cycle support.
Tower structural engineering studies, site survey, tower
equipment installation, tower erection, and customized
fabrication of site components.
Radio Network Planning comprising propagation analysis,
coverage prediction maps, frequency plans and RF
optimization.
Fulfillment Services, including tower antenna arrays,
outdoor cabinets, high-capacity microwave backhaul,
network core elements, and subscriber radio equipment.
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
From radio and capacity
planning through permitting and design, we
have full core-to-edge network expertise.
Key Takeaways
17
Private LTE solutions that leverage the 3gpp
standard which insures interoperability, reliability,
security and coverage
Affordable, easy to deploy equipment that includes
fully integrated, multi-sector LTE base stations and
high gain CPE
Simplified the learning curve and installation
process
Solution enables smooth deployment with CBRS
Long history of serving the utility, enterprise
and service provider market;
Understands the customer needs and how to
meet those needs
Bring a unique combination of technology and
skill sets to execute all phases of the project
Build scalable, industrial-grade wireless
networks that support connectivity applications
with predictable outcome.
D O N ’ T D O I T A L O N E , B R I N G I N T H E E X P E R T S !
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
18
LEARN MORE
CBRS-ready fixed wireless products
BLINQNETWORKS.COM/PRODUCTS
Contact us
INFO@BLINQNETWORKS.COM
PCS Technologies
PCS-TECH.COM
Utilities Broadband Alliance (UBBA)
UBBA.COM
A D D I T I O N A L R E S O U R C E S
Q&A
Tell us what you’d like to
know more about!
Type your questions in the
Q&A or Chat box below
Recording of webinar will
be available tomorrow
| Bringing Private LTE to Electric Utilities and Co-ops
Intro: Dan
BLiNQ networks is a leading LTE manufacture of CBRS certified hardware that is headquartered in Canada. While my primary focus is in the US , our reach is globally.
Our products address some of the major challenges in the deployment of rural broadband internet .. We manufacture an easy all integrated CBRS ready network in a box that provides superior non line of sight performance along with maximum TX power allowed by the FCC to deliver secure high capacity , high throughput for operators. Thijs solution is very scalable and secure making it perfect for a private LTE network which we will be discussing more in the following slides.
While we have a generous portfolio of LTE products, we will be focusing in on specific products used to support the case study which we will be discussing later on. I encourage you to visit our website for more details as well as reaching to myself or our other sales team members Dan Lorenz or Terry Jones.
INTRO: Edgar
EDGAR hand over to dan
DAN
Public Utilities have been building their own communications networks now for decades. Primarily to enable emergency response and service restoration, especially in rural areas where public LTE networks may not provide adequate coverage. Many of the these technologies are still in use today. One example is Land Mobile Radio which is a staple even now.
Utilities and power industry across North America are constantly adjusting to new changes that present new challenges such as adopting IoT and upgrading to smart grids – Other organizations operating in the oil, gas sector are increasingly turning to Private LTE to support their advanced connectivity needs.
Private LTE is a game changer. A private LTE system owned, operated and maintained by energy utilities for their exclusive use, can protect utility operations from malicious intent and mitigate the consequences of the unforeseen events. They provide utilities with increased reliability and control that can hopefully scale to their present and future needs.
Armed with a CBRS-enabled “smart grid”, utilities can combat faults in real-time through remote monitoring and control, as well as supporting teams in the field with connected tablets and voice and video services.
Both Mobile and Fixed or Static applications are taking advantage of the CBRS band as a medium for low latency last mile connetivity to complement existing fiber and microwave links. This can help to serve supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, distribution automation (DA), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and distributed energy resources (DERs).
New revenue opportunities and cost efficiencies are emerging. The ability to better analyze and optimize energy consumption is always at the forefront. These new technologies have also allowed Co-Ops to reach beyond their core business to utilize their existing infrastructure providing member services with internet access… The Covid pandemic has made working at home, and remote education a necessity for many families whose current internet service cannot handle the capacity needed.
[DAN]
Utility providers are under constant pressure to use the most reliable and secure networks possible. This becomes more complicated with the addition of multiple and distributed energy sources such as, solar and wind energy.
The need for more spectrum is an ever increasing demand. Broadband spectrum is fundamental in supporting deployment of smart grid technologies in rural or remote areas, monitoring and controlling devices remotely, guarding against potentially hazardous faults, from distribution automation to intelligently routed power through the grid, metering, video, security, and other applications
The FCC has begun a consecrated effort to identify underutilized bands and modify rules to make them more inclusive. We will be talking about just one of those bands in a few minutes.
The rise of advanced analytics, intelligent automated devices, real-time control, devices with sensors and cloud connectivity paired with continual growing demand, consumers accustomed to a higher level of service and responsiveness with other industries, and outside competition are some of the top reasons utilities companies need to decentralize networks and move to wireless solutions to enhance efficiencies and resolve challenges, along with lowering costs.
As we move along we will be talking more about the benefits of using Private LTE provides but this is just a short list to get you thinking.. Functionality , reliability , scalability, security and spectrum availability which Edgar is going to be talking about next.
DAN
So as I mentioned, today we will be focusing this webinar around the challenges for public utility Co-Cop’s predominately in rural and semi rural areas. We are going to discuss first , why this is such an important topic and talk about the challenges rural co-cop have.
But first Edgar is going to talk a bit about the availability of the spectrum and , what’ss available and what the pros and con are of each one..
DAN / EDGAR (mention 900 MHz - lots of utilities use it for SCADA, benefits and challenges)
In private networks, the unlicensed spectrum in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands have been “workhorses” for many years. But challenges with the technology has been ongoing. The major problem with this band is that everything these days is WiFi enabled. There may be a high noise floor in the unlicensed frequencies which can make it unreliable.
The new CBRS spectrum is clean by comparison. While there are already operators using the band there is still plenty of spectrum available to new uses.
The 2.5 band, or Band 41 is also being used for fixed wireless. While it is not part of CBRS or the SAS, BLiNQ has product for this band and we’ll discuss it later in the product overview.
Licensed Spectrum
Carriers can license their spectrum to enterprises or third parties, or they can build and operate a Private LTE network for an enterprise.
Shared Spectrum
Enterprises can operate Private LTE networks in spectrum that is owned but lightly licensed (Example: CBRS, 3.5 GHz).
Unlicensed Spectrum
Though prone to interference Enterprises operate Private LTE networks in unlicensed spectrum such as the UNII-3 band that is used for WiFi (Example: MulteFire).
Example :Steve Jobs had the infamous tech demonstration failure due to more than 700 base stations operating within the auditorium.
SAS-enabled sharing model will likely be replicated in other frequency bands as part of an effort to develop and execute a sustainable national spectrum strategy
[EDGAR]
Prior to CBRS, Wireless spectrum availability was either unlicensed (ISM and UNII Bands) where constant interference issues dominated deployment challenges OR very expensive and scarce licensed bands (Band 42,42,43) , owned by terir1 operators or leasing companies who would sit on their license without deploying.
Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) functions as a shared spectrum service with three tiers of users as defined by the FCC . The three tiers in ranked order of priority are the incumbent access (IA), priority access license (PAL) and general authorized access (GAA). The incumbents are federal radiolocation services (radar). On September 18th, 2019 the FCC green lighted the use of CBRS spectrum for General Authorized Access (GAA).
CBRS spectrum is located in the 3.5GHz band which is also referred to as the innovation band. Using CBRS non-traditional wireless carriers can potentially offer services at significantly lower costs than the cellular carriers. CBRS also allows private wireless systems to be built supporting campus and inbuilding applications. The entry for non-traditional wireless carriers and private networks foster innovations that have been hampered due to recurring access fees.
CBRS is important because it can unleash the true potential for IoT in the Industrial, medical, building, automation and hospitality industries besides others.
CBRS is a radio technology that is governed by an active shared spectrum policy. The shared spectrum policy controller is called a spectrum access system (SAS) and is the unique component to a CBRS network. The SAS interfaces with the Citizen Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) which is an eNB or small cell
The SAS is the main control point for many CBRS networks. The SAS controls the grants, leases, for spectrum based on a three-tier process acting as a dynamic policy controller using a tiered priority access method for PAL and GAA allocations in the CBRS band.
The spectrum access service or SAS is designed to reduce or eliminate interference between operators in this band. The SAS providers are private companies that are managing spectrum allocation in this band.
SAS providers include Federated Wireless, Google, Commscope, AMDOCs and others. These companies coordinate frequencies with each other and assign spectrum to users of the band. BLiNQ networks works with all of them. Now this is not a deep dive on the spectrum allocation service but I’ll discuss some of the features.
[DAN]
LTE stands for long term evolution. Private LTE is simply a standards-based LTE , modified to fit the needs of specific entities.. The architecture can change based on the needs of the individual company but in general this is how it works.. By the way, we teach a class that covers these topics in depth that can last for 4-8 hours, so this truly is as basic as I can make it based on the limited amount of time we have together.
eEnodeB’s which are base station radios (think access point for you wifi folks) mounted typically on a tower or mono-pole connect with something called an EPC or evolved packet core (think concentrator for wifi folks). Users connect to the eNodeB, this could be a phone or pad or in the case of rural internet access a CPE (customer premise equipment) . The EPC handles messaging for signal and radio management as well as providing the link connectivity from the UE to the network (internet or private network).
The spectrum, (frequency) used by each eNodeB connecting with the User Equipment is managed by the CBRS SAS which is a cloud service. The SAS determines the maximum output power and frequency the CBSD can use based on the request made by the CBSD and the priority (PAL or General). Interference Calculations are made the SAS in order to determine the frequency available.
This slide shows a typical BLiNQ tower deployment. The beauty of this solution is the all in one BLiNQ basestation. You can deploy an entire LTE network, aside from the customer premise equipment in a single box. The products are fully FCC certified, 3GPP compliant, OnGo certified and compatible with SAS operators. We are fully standards based in all respects.
As noted in the discussion about spectrum. Private LTE networks use either dedicated or shared spectrum. This put the customer in control of the infrastructure density based on their individual needs. With CBRS Interference issues are not as prevalent as they are in the unlicensed bands. LTE, is based on OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and in combination with higher order modulation (up to 64QAM) with 256 QAM in the future, large bandwidths (up to 40 MHz with 2CC) and spatial multiplexing in the downlink (up to 4x4) high data rates can be achieved.
Private LTE in the 3.5GHz CBRS band offers greater coverage and performance in Non Line of Sight and near Line of Sight conditions then traditional 5GHz band.
With Private LTE , Quality of service (QoS): puts the customer in control of how data traffic is prioritized, end-to-end. This allows business and mission-critical applications still to function, even in situations where other networks are overloaded or break down.
Private LTE, customers can deploy overlapping small cells for increased capacity, resiliency and uptime. In some cases they can also allow fallback to public LTE (if desired) using the same cellular device.
SIM security ensures that devices have a unique identifier on the network and are properly authenticated. This gives network administrators tight control over what devices are allowed on the network.
The move from 4G to 5G is different from past network upgrades. 5G isn't replacing 4G, like how 4G overtook 3G. Instead, 5G is building on 4G LTE, using updated radios and software. Right now, if you have an early 5G phone and upload videos to Google Photos, you're actually using a 4G LTE connection for that uplink.
Like anything else, 4G will become obsolete one day. However, that day is far enough in the future that IoT deployments today and in the foreseeable future will be deployed on 4G networks.
Since LTE with CBRS is standards based, operators are not locked into a specific proprietary solutions. They can take advantage of a multitude of devices CBSD’s and UE devices being added to the OnGo list of certified devices. New technologies are further reducing the learning curve, cost and deployment time for the LTE core.
[EDGAR’S NOTES]
LTE CBRS Project Execution Readiness
At PCS Technologies, we understand planning, designing and deploying a CBRS LTE network involves more capabilities and resources than most organizations can provide. With our experience, we are ready to deploy CBRS 3.5GHz solutions that not only leverage the new spectrum band but comply with all band regulations.
CBRS Experience
Completed numerous CBRS LTE Network rollouts
Collaborated with LTE vendor partners on initial commercial trials even before full CBRS deployment launch.
Our technical staff is CPI certified
Experience with all SAS providers
[DAN]
The FW‑300i solution packs a three (3) sector, (3) carrier radios, 180-degree integrated antenna (60-degrees per sector) with an integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) sync source. There is also an additional option for an integrated Evolved Packet core (EPC), making deployment of the FW‑300i almost as simple as deploying Wi-Fi.
The FW-300i meets IP67 requirements for operation in tough environments with the capability to handle temperature variations from extreme cold to extreme heat. BLiNQ’s state-of-the-art and unique mounting design allows an unobtrusive deployment of multiple FW‑300i systems on towers, poles, building sidewalls or rooftops. Installation takes ¼ of the time of a typical eNodeB that requires RF cabling, external antennas and GPS.
FW-300i implements a native Spectrum Access System client that fully enables easy Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) deployments. With each cell designed to operate as an independent Type B CBSD, the FW-300i can operate on a Priority Access or General Authorized Access basis in the CBRS band
The FW‑300i solution utilizes industry standard Time Division Duplexing (TDD) LTE-A Release 13 radio capabilities. This allows for robust wireless performance, with extremely cost-effective deployments of Customer Premise Equipment (CPE).
The FW‑300i can supports all LTE TDD frame configurations but focuses on type 1 and type 2.
FW‑300i supports carrier aggregation (CA) with (2) Component Carriers and in the future (3CC), allowing for increased throughput to support high bandwidth deployments in both dense suburban and rural environments.
The FW‑300i is able to steer, with variable capacity, over different areas across 180 degrees of azimuth.
This flexibility allows the FW‑300i to support both large coverage models, as well as capacity driven models.
The FW-300i supports three modes via software (SW) configuration:
3 Sector covering 180 degrees each of 1 x 20 MHz carrier
2 Sector covering 120 degrees (one sector with 2 x 20 MHz carriers and one sector with 1 x 20MHz carrier)
Output power meets The requirement of 47 dBm/10MHz and FCC allowed that this is per port.
Therefore:
When use 20 MHz channel à 50 dBm/Port à53 dBm/EIRP Aggregate
If CA is used : 2 x 20 MHz à 56 dBm/EIRP aggregate
When we do not use CA , we need to do max 53 dBm/EIRP
[DAN]
NetLiNQ EMS is a component of BLiNQ Networks NetLiNQ suite of products. It enables the service provider to provision, deploy, manage BLiNQ FWAs devices( eNBs and CPEs) easily and rapidly. Designed for you to Manage the Network from One Place – its easy to navigate as you Discover, monitor and configure all the devices right from the WebUI. Contextual Help is on every page for guidance if needed
NetLiNQ EMS uses container-based architecture and can run on bare metal or in a virtualized environment. Its components are based on proven and scalable open source software and run containerized, using a Docker engine. You get Updates and patches or Rolling updates with Minimal to no downtime. Dynamic Network Discovery allows for newly deployed eNBs to be added automatically.
Real-Time Data Streaming provides prompt response while managing and adjusting various devices based on the changing needs of the network. We use Elastic, Spark, which provides Real time data streaming for Large-scale data processing. We also utilize Grafana for Real-time and historic dashboards Data Visualization. It also allows for customization and filters.
Fast, Flexible Data Management with Real-Time “Operationally” Focused Dashboard that enhances the network functionality – it has the ability to Correlate KPIs which help you to quickly evaluate the network health – of course we also have Backup & Restore functions add a level of security with the ability to retrieve data in the event of a crash
Specific Fault Management functions allows you to View alarms and events in real time to enable a quick adjustment of the faulty elements Netcool Integration Support is al available
Again, we have additional products such as PointLiNQ that assist the installer with highly accurate aiming and CBSD singlestep registration with the SAS. As well as other eNodeB solutions.
We are now going to discuss a specific case study involving a Kansas electri Co-Op that Edgar will tell us about.
Dan – hand over to Edgar
[EDGAR]
[EDGAR]
SITE ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION
Our team has a wealth of knowledge and experience in construction for the telecommunications and commercial industries. Our construction expertise allows us to handle project scopes of all sizes whether it’s constructing new telecommunications towers, reinforcing or modifying existing towers, installing lines and antennas, or performing maintenance on existing structures.
SERVICES
• Project Management
• Macrocell, Small Cell & In-building
• New Built Construction
• Modification Installation
• Maintenance
• Line & Antenna, Microwave
• RF Tests & Measurements
ENGINEERING AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
PCS Technologies provides comprehensive wireline and wireless network planning, design, engineering, and professional services. Our value add is rooted in our deep understanding of each client’s environment, as well as our expert network of highly competent and experienced staff, network planners and consultants.
From radio and capacity planning through permitting and design, we have full core-to-edge network expertise.
Network Planning:
Radio Network
Capacity
Frequency Channel
Broadband Planning / Engineering
Full range backbone / local services
Network design
Network Services
Network augmentation / redesign
Provisioning / Monitoring / Backend systems and integration
DAN
Some key takeaways from today,
BliNQ
Partner with a Private LTE Technology leader and a proven System Integrator with extensive experience and expertise
When looking at deploying private LTE networks, the technology leverages 4 main points. First being that LTE follows the 3gpp standard which insures interoperability between LTE manufactures. The second and third being reliability and security that traditional WIFi based and proprietary hardware do not have and lastly is coverage.
The BLiNQ Solution takes all the above and has made an affordable, simplified and easy to deploy solution for private LTE. Coupled with the CBRS spectrum, public unities, school districts, municipalities, tribal entities and other use cases have an opportunity to deploy their own private lte networks and take advantage of multiple use cases besides fixed wireless access in the future.
Edgar:
And with this we will open it up to Q & A
MARY: moderate questions
PROMPTED QUESTIONS:
Dan, can you tell us a bit about the BLiNQ CBRS product portfolio?
Edgar, I know that PCS is well-positioned in the utilities market but can you tell us about some of the other industries that you work with? And what key learnings you have taken from them?
EDGAR (mention 900 MHz - lots of utilities use it for SCADA, benefits and challenges)
In private networks, the unlicensed spectrum in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands have been “workhorses” for many years. But challenges with the technology has been ongoing. The major problem with this band is that everything these days is WiFi enabled. There may be a high noise floor in the unlicensed frequencies which can make it unreliable.
The new CBRS spectrum is clean by comparison. While there are already operators using the band there is still plenty of spectrum available to new uses.
The 2.5 band, or Band 41 is also being used for fixed wireless. While it is not part of CBRS or the SAS, BLiNQ has product for this band and we’ll discuss it later in the product overview.
Licensed Spectrum
Carriers can license their spectrum to enterprises or third parties, or they can build and operate a Private LTE network for an enterprise.
Shared Spectrum
Enterprises can operate Private LTE networks in spectrum that is owned but lightly licensed (Example: CBRS, 3.5 GHz).
Unlicensed Spectrum
Though prone to interference Enterprises operate Private LTE networks in unlicensed spectrum such as the UNII-3 band that is used for WiFi (Example: MulteFire).
Example :Steve Jobs had the infamous tech demonstration failure due to more than 700 base stations operating within the auditorium.
SAS-enabled sharing model will likely be replicated in other frequency bands as part of an effort to develop and execute a sustainable national spectrum strategy
Utilities have been building their own communications networks for decades to enable emergency response and service restoration, especially in rural areas where commercial networks may not provide adequate coverage.
Armed with a CBRS-enabled “smart grid”, utilities can combat faults in real-time through remote monitoring and control, as well as supporting teams in the field with connected tablets and voice and video services.
New revenue opportunities and cost efficiencies are emerging too, buoyed by the prospect of selling services to enable consumers to better analyze and optimize energy consumption. There is an opportunity to leverage the existing customer base to upsell new services such as fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband.
Fixed or Static applications can take advantage of the CBRS band as a medium for low latency backhaul to complement existing fiber and microwave links. This serves supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, distribution automation (DA), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and distributed energy resources (DERs).
Eleven utilities, responsible for the provision of services such as energy and water, entered Auction 105. Ten of these were successful in obtaining Priority Access Licenses (PALs).