Spectrum Issues for Critical Infrastructure Utilities Telecom Council

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

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

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

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

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 • Utili. Site Council - member utilities working on providing collocation, fiber backhaul, construction. Best practices research paper; new study pending.

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

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

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, multiparty systems • UTC appreciates resolution especially due to governors’ firsthand experience of disaster response

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

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

Thank You! For more information, contact UTC www. utc. org Jill Lyon 202. 833. 6808 Jill. lyon@utc. org