SOURCEOrganization
Xcel Energy
Nokia ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: First paragraphChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
Reported deployment
Reported Xcel Energy utility private LTE network across eight U.S. states
A Nokia case study; outcomes are vendor-reported and not independent measurements.
Involved in this project? Suggest a correctionDetails
- Organization
- Xcel Energy
- Industry
- electric and natural gas utility
- Region
- Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin
- Current operating status
- Announced; Nokia will design and integrate the network (July 25, 2023 release)
- Not stated by sources
- Project date
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Overview
Nokia announced on July 25, 2023 that it will design and integrate a private LTE network for Xcel Energy, an electric and natural gas utility serving customers in eight U.S. states, to support grid modernization and the integration of wind and solar power.[1] The network uses Nokia's Modular Private Wireless (MPW) solution and Operational Support Systems in 900 MHz spectrum from Anterix, and builds on Xcel Energy's existing Nokia IP/MPLS infrastructure.[1] Xcel Energy leased the Anterix spectrum across its service territory in October 2022; Anterix said the utility had begun a limited 900 MHz private LTE deployment at two Minneapolis sites about two years before that.[2]
At a glance
- Organization
- Xcel Energy, a U.S. energy provider.[1] RCR Wireless describes it as Minneapolis-based.[3]
- Location
- Xcel Energy's service area in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.[1]
- Date announced
- July 25, 2023.[1]
- Spectrum
- 900 MHz broadband spectrum leased from Anterix for 20 years, with two optional 10-year extensions.[1][2]
- Technology
- Private LTE on Nokia Modular Private Wireless (MPW) with Nokia Operational Support Systems (OSS), using Xcel Energy's existing Nokia IP/MPLS network.[1]
- Scale as reported
- Planned to cover Xcel Energy's entire eight-state service area;[3] the utility has 3.7 million electricity customers.[1] Site counts are not publicly stated.
- Vendors and roles
- Nokia: network design and integration, MPW, and OSS.[1] Anterix: 900 MHz spectrum.[2]
- Integrator
- Nokia.[1]
How the network is used
- Connecting assets at remote locations with industrial IoT sensors (remote and utility sites).[1]
- Bringing wind and solar generation into the distribution grid, and grid automation to isolate and respond to outages.[1]
- Field communications across the grid, as described by Xcel Energy's chief technology officer.[1]
Reported results
As reported by the sources below; not independently verified.
Timeline
RCR Wireless reports the deployment will cover Xcel Energy's entire service area.[3]
Nokia announces it will deploy private LTE for Xcel Energy using MPW and Anterix 900 MHz spectrum.[1]
Anterix announces that Xcel Energy has signed a 20-year agreement to use its 900 MHz spectrum across Xcel's eight-state service territory to deploy private LTE.[2]
How to interpret this record
This record keeps the source's anonymous customer label and reported status. A case study does not establish current operation, reproducible performance, or independent verification.
Learn more
- Private 5G networks explained: what they are, how they work, what they cost and who sells themA plain-English guide to private 5G: what it is, the parts you need, CBRS spectrum, ways to deploy, cost drivers and U.S. examples.
- Private LTE networks: what they are and how to set one upWhat a private LTE network is, why most private networks still use LTE, the CBRS spectrum and equipment you need, and how to set one up.
- Private LTE vs private 5G: which one do you need?Private LTE or private 5G? The real differences, which devices work, what affects cost, and how to move from LTE to 5G later.
- How much does a private LTE or 5G network cost?What a private LTE or 5G network costs: three example budgets from about $10,000, what you pay for, CBRS and SAS fees, and ongoing costs.
Sources
Researched Oct 1, 2026. Manufacturer and vendor statements are their claims, not independent tests.
- Nokia deploys private LTE for Xcel Energy's grid modernization in the United States — Nokia, Jul 25, 2023. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
- Xcel Energy joins 900 MHz private LTE movement, leases Anterix spectrum in eight states — Anterix via PR Newswire, Oct 31, 2022. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
- Xcel Energy taps Nokia for private LTE in Anterix band across eight US states — RCR Wireless News, Jul 28, 2023. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
Every detail in the table at the top comes from these sources. Open the source details for each fact’s publisher, evidence type, date, and where it appears.
Source details (6)
SOURCEIndustry
electric and natural gas utility
Nokia ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: SubheadingChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCERegion
Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin
Nokia ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: Third paragraphChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCEOperating status
announced; Nokia will design and integrate the network (July 25, 2023 release)
Nokia ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: First paragraphChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCEReported use case
connecting remote assets with industrial IoT sensors, integrating wind and solar, and grid automation to isolate and respond to outages
Nokia ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: Second paragraphChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCEVendors Named
Nokia (Modular Private Wireless, Operational Support Systems, existing Nokia IP/MPLS); Anterix 900 MHz spectrum
Nokia ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: Sixth paragraphChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated