Private Networks: Powering the Energy Industry | T-Mobile for Business (2024)

Natacha Baroni,Energy Product Marketing Expert

Digitization of utilities and oil and gas companiesoffers immense value potential for the energy sector. Utilities are adopting advanced metering infrastructures to incorporate an abundance of distributed energy resources and smart appliances. Oil and gas companies are implementing IoT to optimize drilling and production and upgrade maintenance and field operations. However, revolutionizing the energy industry also requires incumbents to implement solutions that boost data transmission and connectivity capabilities while extending them exactly where they’re needed.

Networks in the energy industry currently use a patchwork of technologies at various stages of development. To transform operations, you need to connect thousands of devices spread over miles of territory with a single 5G- and LTE-powered private network that supports fast, secure, high-throughput communications—and that’s easier to manage than assorted technologies.

5G and LTE technologies enable a multi-service private network that gives you the capacity to meet customer demand for enhanced experiences, face challenges from aggressive competitors, adopt wireless solutions to upgrade operations, and improve efficiencies.

Reliability:In remote and challenging environments, private networks provide the dependable and robust connectivity for communication and coordination between field workers and operations centers. The dedicated and secure communication channel lowers the risk of interference and breaches. If necessary, private networks can also failover to the public commercial network, keeping critical infrastructure operating even in an outage or crisis.

Safety:Private networks support real-time environmental monitoring and video surveillance of potential hazards, such as leaks or equipment malfunctions, along with instantaneous alerts. In an emergency, the ability to communicate rapidly helps shorten response time. And by supporting drones and autonomous equipment, private networks let machines take over jobs too dangerous for humans, minimizing accidents and injuries.

Data security:Separation from public networks lets private networks provide more secure communication and data storage, protecting sensitive information from cyber threats and keeping data contained on-site. You can also configure private networks with advanced security protocols for an extra layer of protection and design them with specific requirements to control network access and user privilege.

Reduced operating costs:Using private networks optimizes operations and reduces downtime. By supporting automation and autonomous systems, private networks reduce the need for manual monitoring, inspections, and maintenance. In addition, private networks move operations away from costly copper lease lines and satellite links.

T-Mobile’s experts will work with you from beginning to end to help you select a network solution and achieve your modernization goals. Contact T-Mobile for Business for further information.

T-Mobile for Business is helping energy companies to improve connected customer experiences with the country's largest and fastest 5G network. At T-Mobile for Business, we're focused on providing your business with connectivity solutions and dedicated, exceptional service you need to help you stay ahead. To learn more about how T-Mobile is architecting integrated solutions for energy providers that revolutionize digital transformation by leveraging the power and capabilities of 5G, visit our Energy industry page.