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MLGW outlines $39.8 million plan for private 5G network to modernize electric grid; license deadline July 2028
Summary
Memphis Light, Gas & Water told a City Council MLGW committee it needs nearly $40 million to install radios and towers for a private LTE/5G network that will connect automated grid equipment, improve outage response and enable distributed energy management; the utility says the work must be built by July 2028 to meet an FCC license timetable.
Memphis Light, Gas & Water briefed the council’s MLGW Committee on May 6 about a multiyear grid‑modernization program that includes a private LTE/5G communications network necessary to link new automated equipment and systems.
MLGW President Doug McGowan described the proposal as the communications layer of a planned advanced distribution management system that would allow automatic fault detection, isolation and restoration and better management of distributed energy resources.
Nut Graf: MLGW said it already purchased an FCC license for LTE spectrum and now seeks to buy radios, towers and associated equipment so local distribution equipment can communicate. The utility reported a low‑mid bids result of $39.8 million plus a $4 million contingency and…
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