Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) today announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Ameren for a long-term lease of 900 MHz broadband spectrum to enable Ameren to deploy a private LTE network that will provide critical communications services for its service territories in Missouri and Illinois. Ameren has successfully piloted a private LTE network in support of its Smart Energy Plan which includes investments to strengthen the grid while providing clean and reliable energy. The pilot demonstrated 14 different use cases leveraging Anterix's spectrum under an FCC experimental license.
Utilities provide essential services which are vital to the quality of life for the customers and communities they serve. In order to be prepared for resiliency in the face of disasters, utilities are required to take proactive measures, often well in advance, to respond to the expected and unexpected. By securing access to Anterix's low-band 900 MHz spectrum, which would be enabled through the FCC's proposed rulemaking, we believe Ameren will be well positioned to execute on its long-term private LTE network plans, strengthening its ability to provide affordable, reliable and safe electricity for its customers in both good and bad situations.
"Ameren has been leading the industry in evaluating and piloting 900 MHz broadband solutions, and its success with solving key use cases has demonstrated real-world benefits that can enable Ameren to modernize its electric grid for generations to come," said Anterix President Rob Schwartz. "Ameren's LOI represents a critical step in solving the unique private broadband needs of utilities, paving the way for the adoption of utility private LTE networks to enable secure, reliable and resilient communication networks across the nation."
"To enable the grid of the future, the system requires a smarter, stronger and more secure communications network with far greater bandwidth," said Bhavani Amirthalingam, senior vice president and chief digital information officer for Ameren. "Ameren envisions a future where broadband plays a key role in the control and management of our network, providing enhanced communication with co-workers, resulting in a better experience for our customers. Ameren intends to use a private LTE network for a wide range of applications slated to expand over time."
About Anterix
Anterix empowers the modernization of critical infrastructure and enterprise businesses by enabling private broadband connectivity. Our foundational spectrum, as further enhanced through the FCC's proposed rulemaking, enables risk mitigation and meets evolving business needs, with greater cyber security, resiliency and control. Anterix is the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band, with nationwide coverage throughout the contiguous United States, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. Anterix is currently pursuing a regulatory proceeding at the Federal Communications Commission that seeks to modernize and realign the 900 MHz band by allowing it to be utilized for the deployment of broadband networks, technologies and solutions. Our chairman and our CEO co-founded Nextel Communications and have significant experience in telecom operations and innovative spectrum initiatives.
