Nokia to build first-ever standalone private 5G network for US municipal utility

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), the largest three-service municipal utility in the United States, has selected Nokia to deploy a comprehensive private 5G wireless network to better serve its more than 420,000 customers in Tennessee.

Nokia’s state-of-the-art solution will unify and enhance communications across all of MLGW’s electric, gas, and water services, improving data connectivity, resilience, and operational efficiency, and provide a secure, scalable, and high-performance network designed for critical applications and future mobility needs.

Once implemented, MLGW will become the first municipal utility in the US to implement a full-scale, standalone 5G private wireless network.

The landmark project will support MLGW’s long-term, multi-year grid modernisation strategy across Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee. According to the utility, the network will ultimately enhance power distribution to its customers, reducing the risk and customer impact of unplanned outages and enabling MLGW to restore service to the public more efficiently.

Doug McGowen, president and CEO of MLGW, says the Nokia network will help meet the requirements for a modern electric grid.

“We will have fast and reliable communication for grid devices; increased reliability during storms or cyber events that will help us restore power even faster after outages. This enables more automation and smart control operations and supports future technology like electric vehicles and battery storage,” McGowen detailed.

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The solution will enable real-time communication and automation across MLGW’s operations, supporting critical applications including automated meter reading, grid monitoring, fault detection, and remote operations while laying the foundation for innovations like connected mobility, voice, and video services.

Nokia’s technology will also enable secure interoperability with both existing infrastructure and modern IoT devices, including grid sensors, smart meters, automation systems, and field equipment to ensure continuity while expanding capabilities.

Nokia will deliver a private 5G wireless network, including its AirScale radio access equipment and its 5G Core Enterprise Solution. The contract also includes a microwave backhaul solution and towers supported by Nokia managed services, as well as Nokia’s NetGuard cybersecurity products for proactive threat detection and response and privileged access management.

“This collaboration marks a major milestone in advancing MLGW’s power grid modernisation and [its] commitment to building a smarter, more resilient, and future-ready utility infrastructure for the community. It also underscores Nokia’s leadership in delivering end-to-end private wireless networks that empower utilities to accelerate their digital transformation and enhance service reliability for their customers,” added Nokia’s Jeff Pittman, head of North America enterprise, mobile networks.

Originally published by Paul Gerke on Factor This.