Communications
Global digitalization requires high security and reliability standards regarding data transmission. This is particularly true in the area of critical infrastructures – the management of our energy grids, for example. A likely very high number of widely distributed, partially remote sensor, control, and measurement units with varying control tasks must be connected reliably and often in real time.
But other critical sectors also demand a high degree of reliability and security in connectivity services, including, for example, emergency communications and traffic control.
Communication solutions currently available – such as fixed networks or traditional private mobile solutions – are not able to address all critical communication requirements. Therefore, an increasing number of private networks in Europe are being built on the 450MHz frequency to meet the special demands that are needed in the future.
Energy transition
In addition to the increasingly decentralized and renewable energy production, the energy transition also requires the measurement and control of millions of peripheral units that must be integrated into our energy system. Energy production, distribution, and provision is thus currently one of the biggest drivers for the digitalization of our economy.
Communications networks must fulfil the expectations of critical infrastructures, especially those in stationary, low voltage and, occasionally, medium voltage network sectors. So far, network operators have only been able to develop communication structures in limited areas. The increasing feed-in and control requirements of renewable energies along with bidirectional power flows and future demand-side management even for small consumer units require the communication and processing of immense quantities of data. At the same time, new business models are being developed in the energy sector that only further increase this demand.