Electric utilities depend on seamless LTE/5G connectivity as much as they depend on transformers, power lines, and bucket trucks. Whether crews are responding to an outage, inspecting substations, or monitoring remote grid assets, reliable connectivity keeps the operation running safely and efficiently. Tablets, sensors, and cloud-based tools are now essential to deliver flexible service, giving line workers and technicians access to digital maps, work orders, SCADA data, and communication tools in the field.
As electric grids become more decentralized and utility teams cover more territory than ever, the demand for strong, flexible connectivity continues to grow. Electricity demand is also climbing fast, driven by AI data centers and electrification. According to a report recently published by Deloitte, peak demand could rise 26 percent by 2035, with data centers alone reaching 176 GW – five times the 2024 levels. Industrial electrification may add another 25 GW by 2030.
With this projected growth, like most industries, electric utilities can’t afford downtime on their connected devices. Low visibility or delayed messages can complicate outage restoration, extend repair times, and increase safety risks.
Common connectivity challenges include:
➜ Rural dead zones
Coverage gaps can disrupt access to digital tools workers need.
➜ Limited coverage inside industrial environments
Metal and concrete infrastructures reduce signal strength for mobile devices.
➜ Carrier limitations
Relying on a single carrier can leave teams disconnected in high-demand areas.
➜ Security concerns
Devices generally have weak or non-existent built-in cybersecurity. Wi-Fi is less secure than the connecting devices to public Wi-Fi, as it increases cyberattacks.
When tech isn’t working properly due to lack of connectivity, everything slows down. Both teams and customers experience longer repair times, operational bottlenecks, increased safety risks, and poor customer service during outages.
Flexible connectivity isn’t just a strong signal. It’s about the right connection at the right time, ensuring teams have the ability to scale based on their operational needs. For electric utility teams, this means multi-carrier coverage, secure data connections, and billing models that adapt to both everyday service and unexpected emergencies.
Whether restoring power after a storm or conducting routine inspections across town, your teams need reliable access to the tools that keep the grid operating smoothly.
Companies should look for a provider that offers smartSIM technology – allowing devices to connect to multiple carriers seamlessly without juggling multiple SIM cards or data contracts. This ensures that no matter where your team is, they will have the coverage they need to get the job done. Reliable, flexibility ensures that:
➜ Line workers stay connected in rural or remote areas
➜ Crews receive real-time outage updates
➜ Dispatchers maintain communication with all mobile units
➜ Restoration times improve, leading to boosted customer satisfaction
Reliable, flexible connectivity is one part of the equation, but electric utility teams also need the right hardware – devices that are durable, pre-configured, and ready to go. But for many, managing dozens, many even hundreds of tablets across all employees becomes logistically challenging. Likewise, add the challenge of keeping devices up-to-date, secure, and operational in the field, and traditional workflows may start to crumble.
Kajeet solutions provide real-time visibility, control, and connectivity for your devices. Whether you’re monitoring equipment performance, tracking service vehicle routes, or managing your connected devices, we’ve got you covered. Our solutions include:
➜ Reliable, multi-carrier connectivity
➜ Security at the SIM level
➜ Device and data management platform
➜ Real-time reporting & analytics
Connected utility operations require complete visibility and control. Our Sentinel® platform gives you device-level insight that allows you to monitor, manage, and secure your tablets and other connected hardware and data from just a single dashboard.
Beyond connectivity, utilities rely on durable, ready-to-use devices. Our Phoenix Logistics Center ensures your hardware arrives prepped and optimized for the field (check out our warehouse tour here!)
We support your deployment with:
➜ Device sourcing
➜ SIM activation and installation
➜ Pre-configuration of devices
➜ Custom packaging and more
Don’t let connectivity gaps or device management challenges slow down your workforce. Kajeet’s purpose-built connected solutions include flexible, multi-carrier data plans, rugged connected devices, and fully managed deployments that help your teams stay safe and connected.
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