Nokia and Anterix conduct industry’s first B106 data call

Nokia and Anterix, the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band across the United States, have completed the industry's first data call with B106 standardization, a key milestone in the development of private wireless for utilities.

The 3GPP B106 data call was conducted at Nokia’s Lab in Dallas, Texas. According to Nokia, the 3GPP B106 data call collaboration widens the chipset and device ecosystem supporting private wireless use cases for utilities.

The technology helps future-proof utility investments by paving the way for 5G adoption, ensuring their standards-based technology choice for the long term.

Commenting on this milestone, Jeff Pittman, Head of North America Enterprise, Mobile Networks at Nokia, said, "The completion of the successful data call with Anterix’s 900 MHz private wireless spectrum and the Nokia AirScale Radio underlines Nokia’s commitment to enable critical private wireless use cases for utilities. The successful data call helps to ensure that our customers can leverage the broader array of devices and associated device ecosystem in this band. With a flourishing device ecosystem, utility customers can achieve their private wireless vision around grid automation, resiliency, and security."

Nokia integrated B106 into its AirScale Radio portfolio following its standardization in 3GPP Release 18. Enabling this technology paves the way for a wider device ecosystem, including Category M (Cat-M) devices which are ideal for utility applications such as grid automation, resilience, and security.

Nokia’s AirScale Radio capabilities can be leveraged to enable the coexistence of legacy B8 and B106 devices and ensure seamless migration for existing customers to B106, the Finnish firm said.

Carlos L’Abbate, Chief Technology Officer at Anterix, said, "Together, we’ve achieved this critical milestone to help accelerate private wireless broadband for the utility industry. With a confirmed evolution path to 5G and the support of Nokia and more than 100 Anterix Active Ecosystem technology innovators, we look forward to continued progress for utilities in achieving their grid modernization and decarbonization goals."