A new spectrum has emerged for utilities. 800 MHz Band 26 spectrum (800 MHz) is ideally positioned to support mission-critical utility communications, delivering exceptional capacity and reliability for private LTE and 5G networks. For utilities working to modernize the grid and manage rising data demands from smart grid technologies - access to reliable, high-performing broadband spectrum has been a major roadblock - until now.

800 MHz requires no clearing and delivers up to an impressive 14 MHz of bandwidth. As a low-band frequency, it provides excellent coverage and signal penetration - making it ideal for the vast and varied geographical service areas which utilities must support.

Choosing the right spectrum is critical. The wrong choice can lead to obsolete equipment, security risks, bandwidth capacity deficits, high implementation costs and networks that can’t keep up with evolving technologies or renewable integration. This FAQ answers your top questions about 800 MHz Band 26 and what it means for your utility’s future.

What is 800 MHz Band 26 spectrum?

800 MHz is a licensed segment (817-824/862-869 MHz) of radio frequency spectrum used to support private LTE and 5G networks. The 800 MHz band falls within Band 26, a band that has been in use by mobile carriers in the U.S. for decades. This long period of use by some of the industry’s largest customers means there is an extensive ecosystem of radios and modems already in place – a real differentiator compared to other bands with limited operation by mobile network operators. Black & Veatch, as the exclusive sales agent, T-Mobile and Grain are working together to make the spectrum available for utility use - specifically for pLTE/5G networks.

For utilities, this is a gamechanger. Finding the right spectrum has long been a challenge in deploying secure, high-speed wireless networks. Now, with up to 14 MHz of bandwidth, strong signal propagation, and an established vendor ecosystem, 800 MHz offers a rare combination of capacity, coverage, and reliability. It’s a powerful enabler for grid modernization, smart infrastructure, and the digital transformation of utility operations.

How does 800 MHz Band 26 compare to other spectrum on the market, such as 900 MHz or CBRS?

Think of wireless spectrum like a highway: lanes represent bandwidth, and cars represent data. The more lanes you have, the more capacity your network will have to move data—and the faster that data will flow.

800 MHz Band 26 offers up to 14 MHz of bandwidth, giving it a wider “highway” than many other licensed bands commonly offered to utilities. For comparison:

• 600 MHz (Band 71): 10-70 MHz (used by carriers nationwide so limited utility availability)

• 900 MHz (Band 106): 6 MHz

• 700 MHz Upper A Block: 2 MHz

• 1400 MHz (Band 110): 8 MHz

• 1700 MHz (Band 54): 5 MHz

• 3.5 GHz (CBRS): 10 to 150 MHz

While CBRS (3.5 GHz) offers more bandwidth, it is partially licensed and requires many more sites due to its shorter range, which can significantly increase deployment and operational expense costs.

As a rule, the lower the frequency, the better propagation, meaning the network can cover more ground with fewer towers. The combination of higher capacity and broader coverage lowers Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

For instance, a comparative study by Black & Veatch found that for utilities with large smart grid capacity demands, a private LTE or 5G network using 800 MHz delivers twice the bandwidth and reduces wireless infrastructure by 2.5 times compared to other low-band alternatives. This lowers the total cost of ownership by more than 200%. Contact us to learn more about this study.

Bottom line: 800 MHz strikes a powerful balance between coverage, capacity, and cost, making it an ideal solution for utilities and enterprises looking for efficient, long-term spectrum solutions.

What type of devices and radios support 800 MHz Band 26 for Private LTE and 5G?

Since 800 MHz has been in use by the mobile industry for decades, it has a robust vendor ecosystem. According to the Utilities Technology Council (UTC)’s recent report, Ecosystem Summary for Private Broadband Networks, leading manufacturers already offer compatible equipment.

Major players like Aviat, Ericsson, and Nokia have Radio Access Network (RAN) systems that support Band 26 today. GE Vernova’s Orbit platform is also in development, further expanding the ecosystem.

Because Band 26 is a globally standardized spectrum, it offers strong long-term value. It ensures seamless interoperability, supports emergency mutual aid, and enables carrier roaming for extended coverage and built-in redundancy, making it a future-ready choice for critical communications.

What are the utility use cases driving private LTE and 5G networks with 800 MHz?

800 MHz is fast becoming the preferred spectrum for private LTE and 5G. At Black & Veatch, we're actively working with utilities to develop business cases that include total cost of ownership studies and Radio Frequency (RF) capacity and coverage analyses, all showing significant benefits. In fact, 800 MHz consistently outperforms other low-band spectrums, prompting many utilities to sign letters of intent to acquire Band 26 for their private LTE or 5G networks.

With its broad coverage, strong penetration, and extensive capacity, 800 MHz is ideal for a wide range of mission critical applications and use cases, including:

• AMI 2.0 - real-time metering and remote management

• Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) - secure, always-available voice communications

• Distribution Automation (DA) - low-latency connectivity for monitoring and controls, such as switches, reclosers, Volt/VAR, FLISR, and PMUs

• Wildfire mitigation – proactive, real-time monitoring of power lines and environmental conditions, as well as enabling applications like falling conductor protection (FCP)

• Fully 3GPP-compliant and ready for 5G, 800 MHz is a future-proof solution, delivering a long-term, scalable communications medium that can accommodate increasing device density and data requirements.

For guidance on evaluating whether 800 MHz is the right fit for your utility, see our article on building a business case for spectrum investment—a critical step in justifying the network needed to support these high-value use cases.

Future-proofing utility networks with 800 MHz Band 26 spectrum.

One of the standout advantages of 800 MHz is its capacity to scale with utility needs. As more devices and applications come online, especially with the growth of distributed energy resources (DERs), the AMI 2.0 transition and other grid modernization efforts—utilities need a network that can grow with them. Band 26 offers:

• High capacity for smart grid connectivity

• Excellent propagation characteristics for rural and urban coverage

• Support for both LTE and 5G, enabling a smooth technology evolution

In short, 800 MHz Band 26 provides a future-proof foundation for utility communications, combining the reliability of legacy systems with the flexibility and performance of next-gen wireless technologies.