Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) and Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) announced today that they have entered into an agreement to facilitate the deployment of private LTE networks by utility companies as part of the sector’s efforts to modernize the electric grid. The collaboration follows last year’s announcement of Motorola Solutions’ Private Broadband for Critical Infrastructure platform, and the FCC’s Report & Order enabling the transitioning of the 900 MHz band to broadband. Motorola Solutions is also a charter member of the recently established Anterix Active Ecosystem Program that brings together technology innovators to support Anterix customers deploying and operating private LTE on 900 MHz.

“Our low-band, licensed spectrum can provide utility companies with the ability to deploy a private LTE network platform that can deliver the advanced capabilities needed as well as the control necessary as they evolve to a more advanced grid,” said Anterix Chief Operating Officer Ryan Gerbrandt. “By working with Motorola Solutions to reduce the complexity and cost of deploying this private wireless broadband platform, Anterix is giving control back to the utility companies so that they can better serve their customers and communities.”

Motorola Solutions’ 900 MHz LTE broadband infrastructure includes the LXN 7900 radio access network and core to provide critical wide area coverage and long-range data communications. The system’s core can be hosted on-premise or in the cloud, and it can simultaneously control the company’s 900 MHz LTE network and its Nitro™ CBRS LTE network. The company’s high-power EDG 4200 Smart Gateway enables the seamless exchange of intelligence across broadband networks, and its cloud-based interoperability platform, Critical Connect, allows for interoperability with land mobile radio (LMR) networks, as well as carrier independent and integrated LTE networks.

“Today’s utilities need secure, high-power and interoperable communications to address their end-to-end needs across voice, data and video,” said Scott Schoepel, Vice President, Global Enterprise, Motorola Solutions. “We are excited to leverage our long history in the delivery of mission-critical private networks and recent collaboration with Anterix to support robust innovation and continued grid modernization.

In January, Anterix and Motorola Solutions announced they would be assisting Xcel Energy in the evaluation of a private LTE solution to deliver greater grid intelligence, control and security. The network is being developed by Motorola Solutions using Anterix’s 900 MHz spectrum and will be installed at two Xcel Energy sites in Minneapolis.