Xcel Energy to turn on private LTE with Anterix, Motorola

Xcel Energy is one of the latest utilities to announce private LTE plans, partnering with Motorola Solutions and tapping 900 MHz spectrum from Anterix.

Earlier this week San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) became one of the first utilities to start a private LTE deployment, using Nokia and CBRS spectrum.     

Xcel in September signaled plans to test private LTE with Motorola and Anterix, as reported by LightReading.

For Anterix, Wednesday’s news builds on its momentum with utilities including the company’s first major long-term 900 MHz lease with Ameren, announced in December. Anterix also is involved in a private LTE pilot with the New York Power Authority (NYPA). Anterix is the largest holder of 900 MHz spectrum and last year the FCC authorized six-megahertz to be used for broadband.

Xcel Energy, which serves customers across eight Western and Midwestern states, is set to start the initial deployment of a private LTE network at two existing sites in Minneapolis.

RELATED: Anterix announces first major 900 MHz lease agreement