As enterprises seek to enhance operations, connectivity and cybersecurity, private 5G is having a moment. In comparison to public 5G, private 5G is a dedicated local cellular network, built for specific enterprise needs including heightened security, low latency, and optimum reliability. On the innovation side, private 5G is unlocking considerable value for organisations looking to capitalise on data-driven AI and IoT capabilities.
Of all the sectors likely to benefit from private 5G, the utility industry is particularly notable given its critical infrastructure, multiple sites and complex automation. However, regulatory constraints, a traditionally risk-averse culture, and the rising tide of cyber-attacks targeting infrastructure are slowing progress and leaving dangerous blind spots that must be addressed.
Taking control
With regulations continuing to evolve, it’s understandable that utilities firms may be hesitant to leverage a new technology while juggling compliance obligations. From an operational perspective, this is a sector where the majority of companies remain reliant on legacy wireless radio networks due to their extensive range and economical value.
The downsides of such an approach? Legacy networks have limitations around streamlining processes and optimising customer services. Furthermore, from an automation perspective, the amounts of bandwidth, data and visibility firms can gain from this technology is finite. Most importantly, there are valid concerns over cyber risks, including the danger of unauthorised access to radio networks and operational data.
As critical national infrastructure, utility companies have a particular duty of care over customer data and operational technology. Therefore, when utility firms are considering private 5G, they need to ensure that they have control over and visibility of who has access to that network, and what they can see. In other words, authentication is an absolute necessity, especially when it comes to critical devices such as water pumps.
That’s why stakeholders should consider the efficiencies and securities that private 5G delivers. Not only can it support utility companies in streamlining their processes and minimising operational costs, private 5G enables greater scalability and automation alongside enhanced control and protection.
Reaping rewards
By investing in a private 5G network, utility companies can streamline machine access, take advantage of customisable authentication, and prevent threat actors targeting operational technology from gaining access. In fact, the automation at play can be tailored completely to the specific needs of each business, not only today but in the future.
Additionally, as private 5G technology offers more controlled access and lower latency, information can be transmitted faster across organisations and multiple sites, thus improving productivity and communication. Achieving consistently accelerated performance and pervasive connectivity over all sites is vital for workforces in this sector – even those who aren’t physically onsite.
Predictive maintenance can also be undertaken to analyse performance in real-time and activate alerts where necessary. This allows firms to be more proactive when managing service issues. In addition, health and safety measures for those working in such environments can be bolstered long-term, with enhanced monitoring and Push-to-Talk capabilities in the event of accidents.
Looking further ahead, advancements towards sustainability goals can be accelerated with private 5G. Networks can be designed in a way that they are sustainable in themselves, with end-users enabled to accurately measure and monitor power consumption.
Ensuring success
To ensure success, leaders in the utilities space need to be crystal clear about what they want to achieve through the adoption of private 5G. They also need to effectively manage and secure the network in order to overcome any challenges that may arise and avoid increasing the strain or demand on staff.
With a well-thought-out strategy, which can be supported by an expert partner, utilities firms could turn the potential of private 5G into a foundation that powers their operations, services and business goals for decades to come. This isn’t just a future vision, but a present opportunity – one which, if done right, could see cautious optimism evolve into real-world transformation.
Source: By Richard Simmons, Director of Network Solutions at Logicalis UK&I
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