Xcel Energy will use a new wireless telecommunications tool that can help the company respond more quickly to local electric outages and support advanced grid 'smart meters' that will provide more information to customers about their energy use.
The 900 MHz private wireless broadband network will be installed at two existing Xcel Energy sites in Minneapolis. In addition to helping launch advanced grid efforts, the network will allow Xcel Energy to provide cyber protection to critical infrastructure and could eventually be expanded to support automated technology throughout metro and remote rural locations. The network will be developed by Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) using Anterix's (NASDAQ: ATEX) 900 MHz spectrum.
"Xcel Energy is supporting our customers by introducing new technology that will enable several improvements. The addition of tools in the future will give our customers greater insight into their energy use, help us respond more quickly to local power outages, and provide enhanced communication technology to support our field operations," said Tim Peterson, Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President, Xcel Energy. "This new telecommunications technology will provide a basis for new solutions, which can improve grid operations, enhance system security, and ultimately deliver a better experience for our customers."
The availability of wireless broadband spectrum in the 900 MHz band resulting from the FCC's recent actions now allows critical infrastructure providers, such as Xcel Energy, to deploy private networks that enable secure and resilient electric grids. Motorola Solutions' LXN 7900 fixed LTE 900 MHz infrastructure, in combination with its Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)-based Nitro™ network, will enable the seamless exchange of voice and data across private LTE broadband and existing LMR networks. A future roll-out of a broader private LTE deployment could be accelerated by leveraging Xcel Energy's existing investments in LMR site locations and infrastructure to support existing and new grid-of-the-future applications.
"We look forward to working with Xcel Energy as they catalogue the benefits of private broadband for voice, data and IoT communications," said Scott Schoepel, Vice President, Global Enterprise, Motorola Solutions. "As utility operations become increasingly complex and the electrical grid ever more automated, private broadband will support the necessary data speeds, capacity and security, as well as the technology and analytics, needed to support modern and resilient utility infrastructure."
"At Anterix, our goal is to deliver transformative broadband that enables the modernization of critical infrastructure for the utility sector. We are excited to work with Xcel Energy as they continue their long-standing commitment to leverage advanced technology to enable better service to their customers," said Rob Schwartz, President & CEO of Anterix. "In partnership with Motorola Solutions, we plan to demonstrate the efficiency, resiliency and security provided by private LTE and validate how private LTE can not only support modernization of the grid and operations for Xcel Energy customers in Minneapolis, but also pioneer the future of broadband communications for the entire utility industry."
About Anterix
At Anterix, we are focused on delivering transformative broadband that enables the modernization of critical infrastructure for the energy, transportation, logistics and other sectors of our economy. As the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band, with nationwide coverage throughout the contiguous United States, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico, we are uniquely positioned to enable the private LTE broadband solutions that support secure, resilient and customer-controlled operations.
About Motorola Solutions
Motorola Solutions is a global leader in mission-critical communications and analytics. Our technology platforms in mission-critical communications, command center software, video security & analytics, bolstered by managed & support services, make communities safer and help businesses stay productive and secure. At Motorola Solutions, we are ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Learn more at www.motorolasolutions.com.
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Anterix
Natasha Vecchiarelli
Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
973-531-4397
Anterix
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
James Fuller
Executive Vice President
240-393-1369
Motorola Solutions
Michelle Quivey
(312) 218-0010
[email protected]
Xcel Energy
Randy Fordice
612-215-5300
[email protected]
Forward-looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined under the Federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding: (i) Xcel's proposed pilot program will demonstrate the benefits of utilizing Anterix's 900 MHz spectrum to deploy a private LTE network in its service area, (ii) Xcel will elect to license Anterix's 900 MHz spectrum following its pilot program, and (iii) Anterix will be successful in obtaining Broadband licenses in Xcel's service area. Any such forward-looking statements are based on Anterix's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual future results to differ materially from its current expectations or those implied by the forward-looking statements, including: (i) Xcel's pilot program may not be successful or may not demonstrate sufficient benefits to cause Xcel to lease Anterix's 900 MHz spectrum; (ii) Anterix may not be able to obtain broadband licenses on favorable terms and on a timely basis, or at all; (iii) Anterix may not be successful in commercializing its spectrum assets to its targeted critical infrastructure and enterprise customers; (iv) Anterix has a limited operating history with its proposed business plan, which makes it difficult to evaluate its prospects and future financial results; and (v) the ongoing coronavirus outbreak could adversely impact Anterix's business, including its broadband licensing and commercialization efforts. These risks and uncertainties and other factors that may affect Anterix's future results of operations are identified and described in more detail in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, filed with the SEC on November 16, 2020. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, Anterix does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results, later events or circumstances, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.