DECEMBER 20248 IN MY OPINIONGrid modernization is a hot topic among electric utilities. The Department of Energy administers billions of dollars through their Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program to enhance electric grid flexibility and improve the power grid's resilience against extreme weather and climate change. But what facilitates grid resilience and flexibility? Private wireless broadband networks are increasingly important components of these initiatives. Private wireless broadband networks assist utilities in improving resilience after emergency events, as well as in managing increasing customer and environmental demands on the electric system. These networks also help move new technologies forward as utilities look at the future requirements to serve ever-growing energy needs. A PRIVATE, HOSTED LTE CORE SERVICE CAN MAKE A PRIVATE WIRELESS BROADBAND NETWORK A REALITY FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED UTILITIESBY DAVID WOODHAM, ENGINEERING MANAGER, SOUTHERN LINCSouthern Linc is a wireless communications company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company. Southern Linc delivers reliable, highly secure wireless voice and data services via the CriticalLincTM 4G LTE Advanced network to Southern Company electric utilities and multiple businesses and public sector agencies across Alabama, Georgia, and southeastern Mississippi. The CriticalLinc network provides over-the-air encryption from devices to towers and supports encryption from towers to the network's core data centers. This mission-critical network design conveys a suite of LTE services supporting the most critical business processes.Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Our mission is to provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy with excellent service. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers' and communities' needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental, and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, and Human Rights Campaign.
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