The Utility Broadband Alliance (UBBA), a collaboration of utilities and solution providers committed  to advancing private broadband networks for critical infrastructure industries, today announced a major milestone in its 2025 momentum with the addition of 16 new members. By adding these organizations to its growing roster—including WEC Energy Group, Tantalus, 4Liberty, and Ubicquia—UBBA continues to expand its influence and drive awareness for the transformative role of private broadband in modernizing and securing the electric grid. 

The need for fast, secure and resilient communications infrastructure has never been more urgent as utilities confront the challenges facing today’s grid, from AI data center load growth to evolving cybersecurity threats. Private broadband networks are emerging as a foundational enabler of grid modernization, supporting everything from distributed energy resource (DER) coordination to next-generation advanced metering infrastructure (AMI 2.0) while enhancing cybersecurity and operational efficiency. UBBA’s 16 new members to date in 2025 have signaled their dedication to raising awareness of private LTE’s advantages for helping create a more resilient, modern grid.

“Innovation in operations is not merely an option in today’s dynamic utility environment—it’s essential,” said Bobbi Harris, executive director, UBBA. “Private broadband is a strategic asset that empowers utilities to innovate, respond and serve their customers more effectively. We’re thrilled to welcome our newest members, who share our vision and are committed to accelerating this transformation.”

Additionally, in 2025, UBBA is introducing a new effort aimed at highlighting the role of private LTE in enabling utilities to deliver the next generation of AMI. The AMI 2.0 Evolution campaign will launch at the fifth annual UBBA Summit & Plugfest, taking place November 4-6, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Summit will feature the “art of the possible” in next-generation metering and edge computing while exploring utilities’ requirements for open apps and interoperable devices over real-time, secure communications networks. Further events, including a webinar series and dedicated two-day workshop, are planned for 2026.

“Utilities that have embraced AMI understand the importance of fast, two-way access to data,” said Mar Tarres, vice president of commercial operations, Anterix. “Now, as the industry advances toward a new wave of AMI innovation supercharged with AI capabilities, high-speed, high-capacity, secure private communications networks are critical to unlocking the full potential of utilities’ AMI 2.0 investments. UBBA’s new campaign will prove invaluable in driving education and awareness for how organizations can harness private LTE to accelerate their AMI 2.0 journey.”

To learn more and register for the annual UBBA Summit & Plugfest, visit the event website: www.UBBAplugfest.org. For more information on UBBA and to inquire about potential membership, visit www.UBBA.com.