A group-wide transformation program, multiple regional network companies, and a technology playing a pivotal role in the energy transition: A European energy infrastructure operator set out to roll out 450 MHz communications services at scale and establish the organizational foundations for their long-term operation.
from the large-scale rollout of a smart grid use case, through Smart Meter Gateway pilots, to preparations for voice operations.
with defined processes and responsibilities for ordering, administering, and operating the radio services.
through documented workflows, training, and the phased transfer of operational responsibilities.
* Out of respect for our clients’ confidentiality, we do not publish project-specific metrics. The results presented describe the qualitative impact of our collaboration.
A New Infrastructure, Many Stakeholders
450 MHz technology provided a new communications foundation for the digitalization of the electricity grid. It was intended to support smart grid applications, intelligent metering systems, and voice communications during day-to-day operations and emergencies. The radio network therefore had to meet stringent requirements for coverage, availability, cybersecurity, and resilience in crisis situations.
The group-wide rollout extended well beyond technical deployment. Communications products had to be developed and tested, regional requirements aligned, and a shared operating model established. At the same time, the participating network companies had to be prepared for new processes, responsibilities, and tasks in ongoing operations.
The company’s role in the 450 MHz ecosystem was particularly complex. As a user of communications services, an infrastructure partner, a contractual partner, and a shareholder in the external network and services provider, it fulfilled multiple roles. Technical, commercial, regulatory, and operational requirements therefore had to be coordinated across corporate and organizational boundaries.
Jointly managing the rollout and operational setup
4C supported the multi-year 450 MHz program from the initial pilots through the phased transfer of operational responsibilities to the line organization. The team coordinated collaboration among central product owners, regional network companies, cross-functional teams, and the external network and services provider.
In the early phase of the program, 4C supported preparations to put the three applications—Smart Grid, Smart Meter Gateway, and Voice—into practical use. This included coordinating tests and pilots, aligning technical and commercial processes, and preparing for the first commercial launches. In parallel with the further development of the applications, 4C supported regional rollouts and the integration of the communications services into the participating organizations.
As the program progressed, the applications reached different stages of maturity. A large-scale rollout was already underway for a key smart grid use case. For Smart Meter Gateway, the focus was on pilots and preparations for ongoing operations. For Voice, the priority was to achieve technical and organizational operational readiness and prepare for crisis communications.
A key focus was the development of a shared Target Operating Model. 4C developed target processes and defined roles and responsibilities for ordering, administration, billing, and incident management. Process, operational, and user documentation translated the framework into practical workflows. Training sessions and workshops prepared employees for their new responsibilities and the phased handover of operations.
In parallel, 4C planned and managed cross-product tests covering network capacity, availability, redundancy, cybersecurity, and resilience in crisis situations. The team also analyzed network coverage data, identified coverage gaps, and supported the prioritization of network densification measures. In addition, 4C supported commercial and regulatory matters and the preparation of a product offering for external market participants.
Throughout all project phases, 4C managed milestones, risks, and dependencies. KPI reporting and well-prepared decision-making materials provided transparency on program progress and supported coordination across product development, rollout, and operational setup.
Over the years, our collaboration with 4C was characterized by openness. We worked together to find solutions, discuss different perspectives, and address challenging questions. Throughout, we felt we were working with people who genuinely cared about the success of our program.
The Foundation for Independent Operations
With the shared operating model in place, regional network companies have a consistent framework for using and operating 450 MHz services. Defined processes and responsibilities provide clarity in day-to-day operations. Documentation and training support the phased transfer of operational responsibilities to the line organization.
For Smart Grid, a standardized process was developed to assess, approve, and implement additional applications.
Network coverage analyses identified gaps and enabled the targeted prioritization of network densification measures. Cross-product tests covering capacity, availability, security, and resilience in crisis situations provided a further basis for the technical development of the communications services.
This established the foundations for integrating 450 MHz services into regional network operations beyond the initial pilots. Further rollouts and operational activities can build on aligned processes and shared working practices.
„Three 450 MHz applications, several regional network companies, and an external service provider made this a program of considerable scope. The interdependencies between product development, network rollout, and regional operations were correspondingly complex. This made it all the more important to manage the rollout across the group and establish a shared operating model as the foundation for long-term operations.“
