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Spectrum Issues for Critical Infrastructure

Explore the spectrum challenges faced by critical infrastructure utilities, including the need for reliable systems, interoperability, and maintaining existing spectrum viability. Discover how utilities use wireless technologies for mobile communication, process control systems, intelligent metering, and more. Additionally, learn about tower issues, the next-generation utility, and the obstacles faced by critical infrastructure in terms of spectrum allocation.

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Spectrum Issues for Critical Infrastructure

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  1. Spectrum Issues for Critical Infrastructure Utilities Telecom Council NSMA Spectrum Management 2007 May 22, 2007

  2. Wireless Issues for CI • RELIABILITY • Systems built to withstand disasters • Systems built to work everywhere • New solutions always considered, but vendor and technology must be proven • Maintaining existing spectrum viability • Small dedicated spectrum allocation for reliable home • Interoperability

  3. How Utilities Use Wireless • Mobile voice and data communications to employees and field crews • SCADA, other process control systems to remote assets (pumping stations, substations, line devices • 802.xx systems in offices, substations • Mesh networks to monitor assets • Automated, intelligent metering systems • GIS-based work management systems • Meteorological data gathering • Emissions monitoring • Alarm systems • Most systems generally NOT entrusted to commercial networks

  4. Spectrum Issues Existing Spectrum Challenges • 150-512 MHz Narrowbanding and Next Steps • 700 MHz – Something for CI? • 800 MHz – Rebanding Well Underway (for utilities, at least) • 900 MHz – LMR Decision Coming? • 902-928 MHz LMS Changes Must Protect Critical Systems • 2 GHz Microwave Relocation – again • Other FS issues CI Spectrum Allocation – continuing work

  5. Tower Issues • Utilities own LOTS of towers! • Effect of Towers on Migratory Birds (03-187) –UTC comments 4/23 urge no change or 10-yr. period to replace lights; other changes unwarranted • NPA interpretation • Other issues, e.g. nest protection vs. lighting • UtiliSite Council - member utilities working on providing collocation, fiber backhaul, construction. Best practices research paper; new study pending.

  6. New Policy Focus – the Next-Generation Utility • Federal, State drivers • Energy, water conservation -- more consumer control over use and timing • Goals for generation from renewable resources, integration • Smarter, more reliable infrastructure • Economic drivers -- smarter grids lower costs of maintenance, restoration • Telecom/IT networks are key to efforts – Advanced Metering; smarter, bigger control/SCADA, mobile workforce devices; next-gen voice and data • UTC issuing first Research study on topic this week

  7. CI Faces Obstacles • But where do we put these systems? • Current wireless allocations shared, and degrading • Gradual loss through regulatory action, congestion • CI HAS NO DEDICATED SPECTRUM, UNLIKE PS! • FCC’s new Public Safety/Homeland Security Bureau splits CI between municipalities, others providing same services

  8. Southern Governors • Just-released SGA resolution on interoperable communications • Utilities considered part of public safety • DHS, FCC urged to reconsider barriers to shared systems • Also asked to provide utilities access to spectrum <1 GHz to enable robust, multi-party systems • UTC appreciates resolution especially due to governors’ firsthand experience of disaster response

  9. Spectrum Allocation • UTC and its members seeking 6-10 MHz nationwide for next generation wireless systems • Voice and data: digital, IP-enabled standard assumed • Built to utility standards and interoperable for emergency response • To be made available to other responders as needed • No funding requested; utilities make excellent sharing partners

  10. Please Remember . . . If our systems don’t work, yours don’t work Support utilities’ private spectrum needs as necessary to your well-being!

  11. Thank You! For more information, contact UTC www.utc.org Jill Lyon 202.833.6808 Jill.lyon@utc.org

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