Revolution in the power grid: MLGW starts private 5G network in Memphis!

Revolution in the power grid: MLGW starts private 5G network in Memphis!

Memphis, Tennessee, USA - How modern can a city be? Memphis shows us how to do it! Today, on July 14, 2025, it became known that Nokia signed a contract to implement a private 5G network for Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). This initiative marks a significant progress in the modernization of the infrastructure in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, and MLGW will be proud of the first municipal care center in the United States to implement such a network. MLGW serves over 420,000 customers and is the largest company for three services across the country. [5gamericas reports that] (https://www.5gamericas.org/nokia-to-deploy-private- 5g-for-memphis-light-gas-and-waters-grid-moderation-initiative/) aims to optimize the power distribution, unplanned failures and the efficiency of service recovery too Increase.

The big advantage of the new 5G network? Uniform communication via the areas of electricity, gas and water will enable. It comes with a variety of functions that make automation easier and to bring about drastic changes in energy supply. MLGW will thus be able to ensure immediate communication and automation for tasks such as the automatic reading of meters, the monitoring of the network as well as error detection and remote operations. WKNOFM adds that All of the program for renewing and replacing the infrastructure is, which is regularly up to date with the latest old systems brings.

The way to implement and the phases of the project

What's next? The rollout of the 5G network will take place in two phases. In the first phase, a fundamental wireless cover for the core operations is set up, with the aim of reaching 93 % of the cover in Shelby County. In the second phase, the cover is expanded to promote automation of the network, error detection and integration with decentralized energy sources. MLGW President Doug McGowen makes it clear that 5G is crucial for the modern power grid and, in the event of storms, improves communication and reliability and enables faster restoration of the power supply. Fierce Network also reports that The modernization strategy MLGW’s is central to the success of this project.

The deal between MLGW and Nokia has a value of impressive $ 31 million. Nokia thus ensures that the latest technologies such as the Airscale radio access equipment and the 5G-core entertainment system are used. In addition to the provision of communication solutions, it will also include a microwave back connection solution, towers and managed services to support the network. Security products such as Nokias Netguard are integrated into the package for proactive protection against threats.

technological pioneering role and outlook

let's take a look at the future options! The new 5G network is designed in such a way that it also meets future technologies such as electric vehicles and battery storage. In the context of the current challenges that energy supply companies are facing, MLGW represents a lighthouse for other cities with this step in order to strengthen the resilience of the networks and prepare for the energy requirements of the future. Such private 5G supply deals could soon go to school in other cities.

The big picture shows that the introduction of private 5G networks is not only a technological utopia, but is already reality. Nokia has already established over 200 private networks worldwide in the supply sector and is therefore a leader in leaving new ways. However, the competition does not sleep; Companies like Ericsson are also in the race for the best private networks and have already concluded contracts with supply companies in the United States. What emerges here is a competition for the design of the energy future, in which not only new technologies, but also innovative business approaches are decisive.