Compact of Southern US states urges utilities to deploy private broadband networks for grid modernization

Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) announced its support for a resolution unanimously adopted today by the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) at its “2020 Virtual Annual Business Meeting.” SSEB, a non-profit interstate compact created by federal law and comprised of 16 southern states, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, expressed its support for three propositions that it and Anterix believe are critical to the future of the U.S. electric utility industry.

“As a regional organization focused on innovations in energy and policy, SSEB is highly regarded and respected,” said Anterix President & CEO Robert Schwartz. “SSEB’s explicit recognition of the importance of private broadband networks to support the modern grid is powerful and insightful, but its statements with regard to rural broadband and interoperability among private wireless networks, and the benefits expected to flow from broad utility adoption, are truly visionary. Anterix applauds SSEB’s leadership.”

Specifically, in the resolution sponsored by Representative Rocky Miller of Missouri, the SSEB:

• “encourages the region’s utilities to deploy private, cyber-secure broadband communications networks to support the … modern electric grid … ;“
• “urges the region’s utilities and Public Utility Commissions to encourage the use of infrastructure deployed for grid-management communications to also support consumer broadband services to rural homes and businesses;” and
• “encourages the region’s utilities that deploy private wireless broadband networks for grid-management communications to coordinate their planning, and Public Utility Commissions to facilitate such planning, to adopt a common spectrum band and technology for such networks to enable wireless network interoperability, increased functionality, and cost savings across the region.”

“As our utility partners delve into the many benefits of a 900 MHz private LTE broadband platform to support their grid modernization efforts, it is clear that the derived value may be exponentially enhanced with industry collaboration, to reap the significant scale and scope benefits of a comprehensive network-of-networks deployment,” said Schwartz. “SSEB recognizes the substantial importance of utility ‘middle mile’ communications infrastructure to help provide broadband internet access to rural consumers.”