Black & Veatch continues leading utility broadband spectrum strategy following 800 MHz portfolio sale

Grain Management and T-Mobile finalize sale, creating new opportunities for mission-critical utility communications

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Black & Veatch, Grain Management's exclusive sales agent and industry partner supporting utility spectrum transactions, today recognized the completion of Grain's acquisition of T-Mobile's 800 MHz spectrum portfolio. The transaction enables U.S. utilities to immediately acquire licensed spectrum to support private LTE/5G networks and advanced grid modernization initiatives.

Grain intends to make the 800 MHz Band 26 spectrum immediately available to U.S. utilities, enterprises, and next-generation D2D satellite providers. As a rare, nationwide low-band spectrum asset, it is uniquely suited for mission-critical communications, supporting private wireless networks, grid resilience, enhanced security, emergency response and other critical infrastructure applications.

Black & Veatch, an energy and infrastructure leader, has spent more than three decades designing, engineering and deploying wireless communications networks that support critical infrastructure. As utilities evaluate spectrum ownership opportunities, Black & Veatch will continue serving as a trusted advisor and implementation partner, delivering private LTE and 5G networks that strengthen reliability, resilience and grid modernization.

"Utilities are facing increasing demands as they modernize, integrate new energy resources and strengthen resilience against extreme weather and cybersecurity threats," said Jim Moos, president, Technology, Infrastructure and Governments, Black & Veatch. "Dedicated licensed spectrum provides an opportunity to build communications networks that are designed specifically around utility operational requirements. As a trusted advisor, Black & Veatch looks forward to supporting utilities as they evaluate spectrum ownership opportunities and navigate their private LTE/5G journey in support of secure, resilient and reliable grid operations."

The 800 MHz spectrum band offers a unique combination of coverage, capacity and reliability that can support both current and future utility communications requirements. With 14 MHz of available bandwidth across most markets, the spectrum is well suited for private LTE and 5G networks supporting mission-critical applications and serving as the foundation for a secure, resilient, reliable and data-driven digital grid. Its national footprint, propagation and capacity characteristics create a unique opportunity to support utility modernization while enabling broader communications infrastructure innovation.

The transaction follows FCC approval of the acquisition, which received broad support from utility stakeholders and industry organizations recognizing the importance of secure, resilient communications infrastructure to support grid modernization across the United States.

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in human critical infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure and energy assets. Learn more about us at the Black & Veatch newsroom, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.