Spectrum Availability and RF Infrastructure Summit
Tuesday, May 17, 2022: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Description
This summit will focus on issues related to spectrum availability and access to utility infrastructure including fiber leasing, supply chain and RF safety. Topics being considered include: the current state of spectrum opportunities and spectrum issues; preliminary results of UTC’s fiber leasing survey; use case presentations; grounding; tower safety; RF safety; small cell design; and updated NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) for small cells.
6 GHz and Spectrum Sharing: Where Do We Go From Here?
Abstract: As utilities contend with potential interference from the advent of unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, one possible solution may be to relocate to other spectrum bands with similar propagation characteristics. One option may be to share federal spectrum in the 7125-8500 MHz band. This session will describe the technical issues for utilities and engage with policymakers to discuss how utilities may be able to share federal spectrum.
Speakers:
Brett Kilbourne, UTC
Tim Godfrey, Electric Power Research Institute
Randall Watkins, Southern Company
David Hattey, Lockard & White
Brad Nelson, Idaho National Laboratory
Supply Chain and Its Impact on Wireless Collocation/Fiber Leasing
Abstract: The COVID pandemic has created supply chain issues both in terms of equipment availability and labor shortages. What impact does this have on utilities as they provide wireless collocation and fiber leasing on a wholesale basis? How are utilities addressing this challenge strategically? What legislation is under consideration to address the impacts from supply chain shortages? This session will discuss the issues and provide solutions for utilities as they face supply chain issues affecting their wireless collocation and fiber leasing businesses.
Speakers:
John Werner, Thayer
Kristie Goodson
Small Cells – Safety & Signage
Abstract: Growth in small cells is exploding and that means challenges for utilities when it comes to compliance with RF exposure to protect worker safety. This session will review the guidelines including recent changes by the FCC, and it will describe practical solutions that utilities have developed in the field.
Speakers:
Tom Magee
Tony Suppa
Fiber Leasing Survey
Abstract: UTC’s UtiliSite Committee and UTC’s Telecom Committee have conducted a survey of utilities and developed a report on the findings regarding utility fiber leasing. This session will review the results and report the preliminary findings from the survey.
Speakers:
Brett Kilbourne
Melvin Sam, West Monroe Partners
Dan Zimmerman, West Monroe Partners
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