Spectrum Considerations for Utilities
A practical course on the fundamentals of drive testing for wireless networks, tailored for utility environments.
A focused session on technical and regulatory considerations for spectrum licensing and management in the utility sector.
Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how to evaluate and select spectrum for utility communications systems, including key performance factors such as coverage, capacity, throughput, and latency. The course will also address the differences between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, available frequency bands, and how to align spectrum strategy with utility operational needs.
The session will conclude with practical guidance on acquiring and valuing spectrum, understanding FCC licensing and buildout requirements, and managing ongoing compliance responsibilities—especially during utility mergers, acquisitions, or organizational changes.
Who Should Attend
Telecom managers and planners
Utility IT and network architects
Legal and compliance teams
Regulatory specialists
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Evaluate and compare spectrum options based on technical performance
Identify suitable frequency bands available to utilities
Understand licensing pathways and FCC obligations
Navigate spectrum acquisition and valuation processes
Plan for buildout milestones and compliance tracking
Prepare for license management during organizational changes
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual live or in person
Length: 4 hours
Level: Intermediate
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at KathyNelson@KNUtilityTelecom.com to register or request a quote.
5G Fundamentals
An introductory course that explains how utilities operate, the structure of the utility industry, and the key systems and services they provide.
A focused course explaining the key concepts and architecture behind 5G and how it builds upon 4G LTE to support new capabilities for utility networks.
This course provides a practical overview of 5G wireless technologies, spectrum use, and deployment models with an emphasis on utility applications. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how 5G differs from LTE, what use cases it enables, and how utilities might plan for integration. The course assumes a basic understanding of wireless concepts or prior exposure to LTE.
Who Should Attend
Telecom engineers and utility IT professionals
Utility leadership exploring 5G readiness
Consultants and vendors supporting utility telecom deployments
Technical professionals familiar with LTE seeking a 5G overview
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Describe the differences between LTE and 5G networks
Explain how 5G spectrum is structured (low-, mid-, and high-band)
Understand the role of technologies like Massive MIMO and network slicing
Identify 5G use cases relevant to utility operations (e.g., ultra-reliable low latency, IoT connectivity)
Evaluate deployment strategies and architectural options for 5G in utilities
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual live or in-person
Length: 1 day (with LTE Bootcamp) or 2 days standalone
Level: Foundational to Intermediate
Materials: Slide deck, architecture diagrams, and glossary
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at cristine@celplan.com to register or request a quote.
📄 Download Course Flyer (PDF)
Utility 101
An introductory course that explains how utilities operate, the structure of the utility industry, and the key systems and services they provide.
An introductory course that explains how utilities operate, the structure of the utility industry, and the key systems and services they provide.
This foundational course provides a high-level overview of electric, water, and gas utilities—what they do, how they're structured, and how they deliver services to customers. It introduces participants to utility terminology, regulatory influences, and how infrastructure, operations, and customer service come together to power communities. No prior utility experience required.
Who Should Attend
New utility employees across departments
Vendors and consultants working with utilities
Government or nonprofit staff supporting utility initiatives
Communications, marketing, or policy professionals new to the sector
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Describe the basic functions of electric, water, and gas utilities
Understand how utilities are organized and regulated
Identify key utility systems such as generation, transmission, distribution, metering, and customer service
Recognize how utility operations intersect with safety, reliability, and public policy
Navigate common industry acronyms and jargon with confidence
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual live or in-person
Length: 6 hours
Level: Introductory
Materials: Slide deck, glossary of utility terms, industry org chart
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at KathyNelson@KNUtilityTelecom.com to register or request a quote.
📄 Download Course Flyer (PDF)
Wireless 101
An entry-level course explaining key wireless concepts, spectrum basics, and how wireless systems support utility operations.
Essentials of Wireless Communications
An entry-level course explaining key wireless concepts, spectrum basics, and how wireless systems support utility operations.
This foundational course introduces the principles of wireless communication with a focus on practical utility applications. Participants will gain a solid understanding of how wireless networks function, what spectrum is, and the types of systems used in the field (e.g., LMR, SCADA radio, cellular, microwave). No prior telecom experience required.
Who Should Attend
Utility field staff and engineers
Managers and analysts entering the wireless space
Anyone supporting or interacting with utility telecom teams
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Explain the basic components of a wireless system
Understand key wireless terms like frequency, bandwidth, and modulation
Identify common wireless technologies used in utility operations
Recognize the role of wireless networks in grid communication
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual live or in-person
Length: 6 hours
Level: Introductory
Materials: Slide deck and glossary of wireless terms
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at cristine@celplan.com to register or request a quote.
📄 Download Course Flyer (PDF)
Topics on Field Area Network (FAN) Design
An introductory course on wireless networks that connect utility field devices such as reclosers, sensors, and meters.
As utilities modernize the grid and advance distribution automation, robust telecommunications infrastructure is critical to success. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the key considerations in designing wireless Field Area Networks (FANs) to meet the performance demands of utility applications. Participants will explore how to define network service requirements, assess technology options, and make strategic decisions about spectrum, architecture, and asset reuse. The session includes practical guidance on deployment strategies, network optimization, and the real-world challenges of integrating existing infrastructure.
Who Should Attend
Utility telecom and network engineers
Operations and IT professionals involved in network planning or modernization
Telecom planners and infrastructure managers
Consultants and vendors supporting utility telecom projects
Regulators or stakeholders seeking a deeper understanding of utility FAN design
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Identify key factors in defining network service areas, endpoints, and performance requirements
Compare different network types (public, private, hybrid) and architectures (point-to-multipoint, mesh, satellite, etc.)
Understand how spectrum selection affects coverage, capacity, and regulatory requirements
Evaluate the potential to reuse existing assets (towers, substations, poles) in network deployment
Select technologies and configurations based on throughput, latency, and operational goals
Apply best practices for phased network deployment, site configuration, and post-deployment optimization
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual or in-person
Length: 2 hours
Level: Introductory
Materials: Slide deck, Summary recommendations
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at cristine@celplan.com to register or request a quote.
📄 Download Course Flyer (PDF)
Basics of Radio Site Grounding
A practical introduction to grounding principles for utility radio sites to ensure equipment protection, personnel safety, and regulatory compliance.
A practical introduction to grounding principles for utility radio sites to ensure equipment protection, personnel safety, and regulatory compliance.
This course covers the basics of radio site grounding and bonding, including grounding system design, codes and standards, and inspection practices. Participants will learn how proper grounding reduces lightning risk, limits interference, and supports long-term network reliability.
Who Should Attend
Utility telecom engineers and technicians
Field construction and maintenance staff
Safety and compliance personnel
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the importance of grounding and bonding for radio sites
Identify key components of a grounding system
Apply applicable standards (e.g., IEEE, NEC) to site design
Conduct basic inspections and identify grounding issues
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual or in-person
Length: 6 hours
Level: Introductory
Materials: Grounding diagrams, site checklist
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at KathyNelson@KNUtilityTelecom.com to register or request a quote.
Land Mobile Radio (LMR) 101
A beginner’s course on the basics of Land Mobile Radio systems and their role in utility field communications.
A beginner’s course on the basics of Land Mobile Radio systems and their role in utility field communications.
This course introduces LMR system architecture, frequency bands, digital vs. analog systems, and key concepts such as coverage planning and system reliability. Participants will also learn about modern LMR upgrades and integration with IP networks.
Who Should Attend
Field technicians, telecommunications engineers, system operators
Telecom and emergency communication teams
IT professionals supporting LMR infrastructure
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand how LMR systems work and their critical role in field operations
Understand the differences between conventional and trunking
Recognize frequency planning and site design considerations
Identify when LMR upgrades or replacements are needed
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual or in-person
Length: 4 hours
Level: Introductory
Materials: Slide deck, LMR terms glossary
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at KathyNelson@KNUtilityTelecom.com to register or request a quote.
4G/5G Fundamentals
An in-depth course covering the foundational concepts behind 4G and 5G wireless technologies and how they support modern utility networks.
An in-depth course covering the foundational concepts behind 4G and 5G wireless technologies and how they support modern utility networks.
This course begins with the fundamentals of wireless communication and explores how 4G and 5G build upon these principles. Participants will learn the key differences between the two technologies, including architecture, spectrum use, and performance capabilities.
Who Should Attend
Utility telecom engineers, network planners, technology analysts
Operations staff supporting wireless networks
Professionals evaluating LTE and 5G for utility use
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the core principles of 4G and 5G technologies
Identify the major components of LTE and NR architecture
Compare the capabilities and use cases of 4G and 5G for utilities
Recognize how advanced networks support grid modernization
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual live or in-person
Length: 2 days
Level: Intermediate
Materials: Presentation slides, reference guide
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at cristine@celplan.com to register or request a quote.
Utility Telecom 101
A foundational course introducing key utility telecom concepts, technologies, and applications.
A foundational course introducing key utility telecom concepts, technologies, and applications.
This course provides a practical overview of telecommunications in utility operations. Participants will learn the basic components of utility telecom networks, the role of telecom in grid modernization, and how different systems communicate across the grid.
Who Should Attend
Utility professionals new to telecom
Operations and engineering staff
Project managers or regulatory staff needing a telecom primer
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Identify major telecom technologies used by utilities
Understand common telecom applications (e.g., SCADA, AMI, DA)
Describe how telecom supports grid modernization
Course Format
Delivery: Virtual or in-person
Length: 4 hours
Level: Beginner
Materials: Slide deck, downloadable reference guide
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at KathyNelson@KNUtilityTelecom.com to register or request a quote.
📄 Download Course Flyer (PDF)
Drive Testing Basics
A practical course on the fundamentals of drive testing for wireless networks, tailored for utility environments.
A practical course on the fundamentals of drive testing for wireless networks, tailored for utility environments.
This course explains the different types of drive tests, equipment involved, and best practices for execution and analysis. Participants will understand how to plan and perform drive tests and interpret the data collected.
Who Should Attend
Field technicians
Telecom engineers
RF planners and utility testing teams
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Differentiate between types of drive tests and their purposes
Select appropriate tools and equipment
Plan and execute a drive test safely and effectively
Interpret test results for troubleshooting and optimization
Course Format
Delivery: In-person only
Length: 1 day
Level: Intermediate
Materials: Hands-on equipment overview, slide deck
Registration & Materials
📩 Contact us at cristine@celplan.com to register or request a quote.