Join us for an in-depth look at how Verizon is leveraging 5G network slicing to deliver dedicated Ultra Wideband (UW) capacity tailored to specific applications and industry use cases. This session will explore how Verizon is enabling a seamless convergence of wireline and wireless assets, allowing customers to choose network slices based on performance metrics that align with their operational needs. We'll also examine how Verizon’s flexible and scalable 5G Standalone (SA) architecture supports dynamic network management, particularly for the unique demands of utility and critical infrastructure sectors.

The modern grid runs on more than just power - it depends on fast, reliable communication between systems in the field and the control center. But when it comes to choosing that communication layer, utilities face a critical question: Should you use public cellular networks or build your own private LTE network?

In this session, our panel will cut through the noise to discuss the trade-offs that matter: when private LTE makes sense, the real costs of each option, how to build redundancy with public carriers, whether a public backup is worth it, and how cybersecurity, scalability, and regulation influence the choice. You’ll hear real-world perspectives on how different utilities are approaching these challenges - balancing performance, security, and cost to build more resilient grid communications. Whether you’re exploring options or refining your strategy, this conversation will give you the clarity you need to make informed, forward-ready decisions.

Explore how Itron’s Intelligent Connectivity Suite is evolving to meet today’s use cases and needs while continuing to deliver secure, scalable, and interoperable solutions for utilities and smart cities. This session will delve into the suite's multi-transport capabilities, including RF mesh, cellular, and private LTE, and its support for critical applications such as grid modernization, distributed energy resource integration, and advanced metering. Learn how Itron's roadmap emphasizes backward compatibility, standards-based integration, and distributed intelligence to simplify operations and support evolving use cases.

Ensuring the resilience and reliability of electric distribution networks is a top priority for utilities, especially as they navigate new sources of electrification, rising consumer demands, and escalating natural disasters. In this session, we’ll delve into the latest trends in distribution automation technology, shedding light on optimizing connectivity through hybrid mesh and cellular networks, and using solutions like IoT-connected line sensors to quickly identify and restore outages. Hear real-world experiences, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to enhancing the resiliency and reliability of distribution networks to improve CAIDI and SAIFI numbers, enhance safety, and push more intelligence, real-time decision making and analysis to the edge of the grid.

ComEd will highlight innovative engineering solutions incorporating Itron technology and utility know-how. The SMART (Solar Mobile AMI Reliability Trailer) is a nomadic communications center powered by renewable energy that is easily deployable throughout the service territory and is capable of both facilitating and monitoring the AMI network. This greatly increases ComEd's ability to access and understand the impact of both existing and/or new devices on to the AMI mesh network, ultimately resulting in a more reliable and resilient grid. Aside from the SMART trailer, ComEd is also re-engineering streetlight nodes so that they can service multiple purposes for radio frequency (RF) remediation, specifically as they relate to strengthening the mesh, and offer an economical solution for areas with RF shadows. This presentation will be co-presented by two engineers from ComEd and will emphasize the role of the utility to continuously innovate in order to maintain a resilient, reliable, and industry leading AMI mesh network, which serves as the foundation for smart electric meters, smart gas and water meters, and more, all of which are necessary for the modern smart city.

Part of improving Customer Experience includes taking effort out of interactions and allowing our customers to get more value out of the relationship with Itron. We appreciate the feedback that customers provide and want to ensure you know that we are listening.  Attend this session to learn about some of the top initiatives to address key improvement areas pointed out in our annual survey. This session will focus on lead times, response times for quotes and contracts, and improving the ease of ordering.

Part of improving Customer Experience includes taking effort out of interactions and allowing our customers to get more value out of the relationship with Itron. We appreciate the feedback that customers provide and want to ensure you know that we are listening.  Attend this session to learn about some of the top initiatives to address key improvement areas pointed out in our annual survey. This session will focus on support, RMAs, NPI quality and value for price.

Many utilities have moved through the initial deployment phase of their AMI networks and are now reaping the benefits of mature, functioning Field Area Networks (FAN). Join this panel for tactical tips and tricks that Itron network customers with mature deployments have learned along the way. Utility presenters will share insights and anecdotes on refining maintenance practices, optimizing network performance, adjusting to changing topography due to factors like seasonal changes and new construction, optimizing GIS, OMS, and AMI data analysis, and balancing IT needs across the organization. Gain actionable strategies and best practices to unlock the full potential of your industrial IoT (IIoT) network, enhancing operational efficiency, improving maintenance practices, and driving business success across your organization.

PG&E’s “Socket of the Future” initiative is well on its way and is aimed at unlocking the full potential of the utility meter socket. This session will cover PG&E’s progress with implementing a new grid edge solution that leverages AMI 2.0 meters to support customer electrification, starting with EVs, while deferring significant customer and utility upgrade costs.

Learn about the transformative impact SBAP is providing for utilities exploring network advancements. The new Solar Battery AP introduces an innovative approach for Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) for Gas and water utilities. The battery mesh is ideal for utilities with limited physical infrastructure, allowing them to bypass the historic constraints of AMI deployments with dedicated networking equipment.

As utilities modernize their grid infrastructure, the evolution of smart meters and edge computing is dramatically increasing data transmission requirements on Private LTE (P-LTE) networks. This presentation showcases a proactive approach to understanding and preparing for high-demand devices on a potential  P-LTE network. Through detailed capacity analysis and RF modeling, CelPlan Technologies examined how factors like geographical distribution, signal quality, sector loading, and noise interference impact network performance when supporting data-intensive smart meters