
NEW JERSEY, USA — Evergy has signed a $30 million lease for the use of Anterix’s 900 MHz broadband spectrum as part of the company's grid modernization initiative.
Anterix has announced that Evergy has signed a lease for the use of Anterix’s 900 MHz broadband spectrum throughout Evergy’s 28,130-square mile service territory in Kansas and Missouri. The long-term lease agreement is for 20 years, with two 10-year renewal options.
According to the company, the plan is to utilize the Anterix spectrum to deploy a private wireless broadband communications network using LTE technology to support its grid modernization initiatives.
“Evergy is an innovative leader in the utility sector, and we are pleased to welcome them as the third utility in just nine months to sign a contract with Anterix for access to our 900 MHz spectrum for private LTE, joining Ameren and San Diego Gas & Electric,” said Rob Schwartz, Anterix’s President & CEO.
“Smart grid technologies have a growing importance for our grid modernization efforts as we continue to transform our operations to a focus on clean, safe and reliable energy. Today’s agreement with Anterix provides a key component of the communications foundation required to help advance these initiatives, which are not only important for increased safety and efficiency but are also crucial to maintain a resilient grid in the future,” said Kevin Bryant, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Evergy.
The delivery of the broadband spectrum will happen by county and is scheduled to begin by June 30, 2022.
Source: Power Grid International