Utilities are under growing pressure to modernize grid communications while ensuring security, resiliency, and scalability. In this webinar, Digi International and Anterix explore how private cellular networks and eSIM technology are helping utilities future-proof their infrastructure.
Learn how Digi enables secure, reliable connectivity with solutions like the Digi IX25 5G/LTE edge computing solution, along with innovations such as zero-touch provisioning and remote eSIM management. Discover how these capabilities simplify deployments, reduce operational costs, and improve network uptime across the device lifecycle.
To learn more, visit the Digi Industrial Router product page, check out our industrial solutions page, or review our comprehensive offering of end-to-end connectivity solutions for enterprise, industrial and transportation applications.
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Webinar Q&A: How to Future-Proof Utility Networks with Private Cellular and eSIM
Presenters:
- Michael Finegan, Director, Ecosystem Program Management, Anterix
- Eric Edevold, Energy and Utility Specialist, Digi International
Moderator:
- Mitch Sinon, Webinar Coordinator, Digi International
This webinar explored how utilities can modernize communications with private cellular networks and eSIM technology to support long-term reliability, security and scalability. The following Q&A highlights audience questions and expert responses from the live session.
If a utility has a private network, does it need to implement network slicing?
Answer – Michael Finegan (Anterix):
Yes — these networks are industry-compliant and support 3GPP, so technically a customer could add slicing to a private network if they wanted to. However, it is not needed, and it adds a layer of complexity that is probably unnecessary. The prioritization and security elements can be handled with existing parameters today, such as APNs, prioritization and quality-of-service designations, without having to implement slicing.
Additional answer – Eric Edevold (Digi International):
It can be useful when you are aligning a backup communication path. If you are using a public carrier as a backup, slicing can help align the service level more closely to what you would expect on a private network.
Is there growing interest in private cellular networks within the water utility sector?
Answer – Michael Finegan (Anterix):
A large portion of the focus today is on electric utilities, but there is activity in public utilities that involve water. There are examples, such as managing river systems, monitoring levels and flood conditions, and supporting generation. There are fewer deployments in water compared to electric utilities today, but it is a critical area and an area of growth.
Additional answer – Eric Edevold (Digi International):
Inductive Automation is a SCADA application that is heavily used in the water space. There are also other applications used across industries — for example, AutoSol in oil and gas, and additional applications focused on security. In water, we see strong use of SCADA platforms and related applications that benefit from reliable connectivity.
Is the Digi IX25 edge compute functionality Linux-based, and does it support Docker containers?
Answer – Eric Edevold (Digi International):
The platform is Linux-based. It supports Linux LXC containers and also provides a Python environment, so you can write and run applications directly on the device. It does not currently support Docker containers.