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 • UtiliSite 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, multi-party 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