Utilities across the country are awakening to the critical role of private broadband connectivity in helping achieve their sustainability, grid innovation and customer service goals. The UBBA Summit & Plugfest gives utility executives, innovation leaders and industry decision-makers the opportunity to learn from their peers while sharing real-world applications of high-speed private broadband deployments that have benefitted both utilities and their customers.   Examples of educational sessions scheduled for the 2023 UBBA Summit & Plugfest include:

• Keynote Presentation from Therivel on “Innovation & Inspiration Beyond the Digital Divide”
• Tech Sessions on seamless private/public network transitioning, building future-ready hybrid network infrastructure, the role of data in the energy transition, cellular network cybersecurity risk reduction and other critical topics
• Panel Discussions featuring industry leaders from utilities such as the host utility, Xcel Energy, San Diego Gas & Electric, New York Power Authority and many more on topics such as balancing digital innovation with technology investments; the role of advanced communication in helping accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles; the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the digitalization of the grid; Zero Trust strategies for physical security and cybersecurity; and many more

Additionally, UBBA will once again host its annual Plugfest, where committee leaders will test the interoperability and connection of devices and failover between private and public LTE networks in a live environment that focuses on real-world use cases and conditions.

“Private broadband is helping our industry deliver innovation at a rate never before seen,” said Ali Mohammed, senior director of Digital Innovation & Transformation at New York Power Authority and chairman of the UBBA board of directors. “From advancing the energy transition through sustainability initiatives to enhancing grid resiliency and security, private broadband plays a role in every aspect of grid modernization. UBBA Summit & Plugfest is an ideal opportunity for those of us in the industry to share our successes and learnings about private networks while charting a path forward for the future of utility digitalization.”

Registration for the 2023 UBBA Summit & Plugfest is currently open. To learn more and register to become an attendee, visit the event website: www.UBBAplugfest.org. To learn more about UBBA and inquire about potential membership, visit www.UBBA.com.