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Welcome to the January 2026 UBBA Newsletter
Insights, progress, and priorities from UBBA leadership as we work together to advance the future of utility connectivity.
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As we begin a new year, I am honored to step into the role of Chair of the Board of UBBA. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our members, partners, volunteers, and supporters who continue to invest their time, expertise, and energy into this organization. UBBA’s strength has always come from the people behind it, and I am grateful to build on the strong foundation established by past leaders and the dedicated Board members who serve alongside me.
The year ahead presents both opportunities and challenges for our industry, and UBBA is well positioned to help navigate what lies ahead. Our focus remains on providing meaningful education, fostering collaboration, and creating forums where ideas, experiences, and best practices can be shared. As a Board, we are committed to ensuring that UBBA continues to evolve with the needs of the industry, offering relevant programming, encouraging professional growth, and strengthening connections across our membership and broader community.
Whether you are a long-time member, a new participant, or someone considering becoming involved, I encourage you to stay engaged with UBBA throughout the year. Attend an event, share your perspective, volunteer your time, or simply reach out to learn more about what we do. Your involvement helps shape the future of this organization. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you a successful and productive year, and I look forward to working together to advance UBBA’s mission in the months ahead.
Best Regards,
Russ Ehrlich
Sr. Manager, Digital Grid | Exelon Utilities
UBBA Chairman of the Board
| | Celebrating 5 Years of UBBA at DTECH | | |
Five years strong and just getting started.
Join us at the UBBA Booth #1111 at DTECH as we celebrate our 5th birthday. Stop by to enjoy cake, connect with fellow members, and network with industry peers as we reflect on what we have built over the past five years, explore what is new, and get a preview of what is ahead as we continue Powering Utility Connectivity together.
Over the past five years, we have grown, innovated, and partnered with incredible organizations across the industry. This milestone would not be possible without our community, and we look forward to celebrating with you at DTECH!
| | UBBA Welcomes Newly Elected Board for 2026 | | |
As 2026 gets underway, the Utility Broadband Alliance is pleased to welcome its newly elected Board of Directors. This group of industry leaders brings deep experience, diverse perspectives, and a shared commitment to advancing utility broadband and private networks across the industry.
We’re also excited to recognize UBBA’s new board officers, who will help guide the Alliance’s strategic direction in the year ahead:
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Chairman: Russ Ehrlich, ComEd
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Vice Chair: Tim Spyers, Ameren
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Treasurer: Mar Tarres, Anterix
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Secretary: Adam Nathan, World Wide Technology
Together, the 2026 Board will play a critical role in supporting UBBA’s mission, strengthening collaboration across the utility ecosystem, and driving progress on key initiatives throughout the year.
| | Welcome New Members | Jackson EMC, Lerman Senter, Future Technologies Ventures & TESCO Metering | |
Limited Sponsorships Still Remain | UBBA Insights Program | | |
As utilities continue to evolve toward a 21st-century operating model, reliable and scalable networks are increasingly critical to enabling new ways of working.
In support of this transformation, the Utility Broadband Alliance has kicked off its 2026 Insights Program. Launched in Q4 2025 and now entering the development phase, the program brings together UBBA, its partners, and sponsors to deliver a year-long, research-driven thought leadership campaign focused on advancing the role of private networks in the modern utility environment.
We extend our sincere thanks to our inaugural Insights Program sponsors for their leadership and support.
A limited number of Insights Program sponsorship opportunities remain. For more information, please contact Mike Smith at services@ubba.com.
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Grid Modernization Starts with Broadband: Inside the Utility Connectivity Journey
UBBA Board Chair Russ Ehrlich and Board Member Jeff Pittman recently joined T&D World Live for a discussion focused on modernizing the electric grid while building the broadband connectivity needed to support today’s and tomorrow’s utility operations.
During the discussion, they explored the entire modernization journey, from early evaluation and business-case development to funding, deployment, and long-term operations.
The episode offers valuable perspective from UBBA leaders actively navigating these challenges and opportunities.
Click Here to Listen to Their Podcast!
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Balancing Grid Maturity and Future-Readiness: LTE-M and 5G Evolution for AMI 2.0
NOKIA Head of Technology, Market Unit Enterprise, Mobile Networks, Ali Shah, recently authored an article in POWER Magazine examining how utilities can balance grid maturity with future readiness as they move toward AMI 2.0.
The article explores the evolution of LTE-M and 5G technologies and offers practical insight into how utilities can make strategic connectivity decisions that support long-lived infrastructure while enabling automation, resiliency, and future-ready grid operations.
Read the Full Article Here
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Discover the latest issue of Ericsson’s Regional Connect Magazine.
A must-read for future-focused utility leaders, this edition dives into timely and critical topics like grid modernization powered by 5G mission-critical networks, strategies to navigate emerging threats, and essential spectrum planning insights. Walk away with actionable perspectives on building smarter, more resilient systems for the future.
Read the Magazine Today
| | Discover How the Utility Broadband Alliance Can Help Your Utility Embrace the Future of Connectivity! | | UBBA membership provides unparalleled access to cutting-edge insights, proven strategies, and a thriving community of experts focused on broadband innovation. Gain the tools and support needed to deploy mission-critical networks, enhance grid reliability, and bridge the digital divide in your communities. With exclusive resources, technical forums, and collaborative opportunities, UBBA equips members to stay ahead in an increasingly connected world. Don’t miss the chance to transform your utility’s broadband potential! | | | | |
