CommsConnect aims to improve Distribution Network Operators’ (DNOs’) visibility of the resilience of public mobile networks to understand the interdependence between these two systems. The project consists of two technical methods of data gathering to better understand the resilience and power autonomy of public mobile networks:
1. A software upgrade to existing mobile routers to use idle time to monitor surrounding mobile network availability. Mobile routers deployed across DNO operating regions would create a wide-area sensor network to detect and report any mobile outages.
2. Direct engagement with mobile network operators to obtain the location of masts, and if possible the associated installed power autonomy available at each site.
Benefits
The project will deliver key learnings in light of this innovative solution and how it will impact network operators – not just in the DNO sector, but also potentially in the Gas Distribution Network (GDN) and Transmission Operator (TO) space. As a result, the project will engage with a wider audience of potential project partners and standardise requirements across DNOs and MNOs to maximize the potential benefits in Phase 2.
Expected key project learnings:
1. The interdependence between electrical and public mobile networks will be better understood. This allows for a more joined-up approach to whole systems resilience and outage response.
2. The potential relationship between areas of poor public mobile network coverage and reliability and their associated impact on the running of the DNO activities.
Learnings
Outcomes
To date, CommsConnect has delivered a number of meaningful outcomes that have advanced UK Power Networks’ understanding of how public mobile networks support the operation of its electricity network. These outcomes have been generated through research, field demonstrations, firmware development, and cross‑sector engagement.
1. Delivery of high‑value prototype insights and improved technical understanding:
The deployment of prototype mobile‑network sensing devices across all three of UK Power Networks’ licence areas has produced a rich data set on mast visibility, signal quality trends and network behaviour under varying conditions. Early analysis demonstrated performance comparable to specialist commercial sensing equipment, validating the project’s core hypothesis that existing operational routers can be enhanced to serve as cost‑effective monitoring devices. These insights not only informed the final firmware specification but also demonstrated clear operational value, such as identifying poor‑coverage substations and mapping preferred mast connections over time.
2. Development and testing of a viable firmware update based monitoring method
A key technical outcome has been the development and successful initial testing of the first iteration of the firmware update for UK Power Networks’ existing mobile routers. Testing in a controlled environment confirmed the feasibility of using the current over‑the‑air update mechanism, marking a significant step forward in proving that the method can scale without additional hardware. As a result, the project has increased the method’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from early feasibility to a demonstrable prototype capable of progressing into structured field trials. Compatibility and performance testing, laying groundwork for a controlled Phase 2 rollout.
3. Progress toward systems integration and enterprise‑scale design
The project has made strong progress in preparing for integration with UK Power Networks’ OT environment. Work with architecture, cyber security, and information systems teams has shaped the requirements for a dedicated aggregation server within the OT network, including data flows, security controls and storage architecture. This progress ensures that the next phase will have a clear pathway toward BAU integration, though it has highlighted that system integration is complex and will require multiple stages of testing and development.
Lessons Learnt
The project’s progress to date has highlighted a number of important lessons:
Impact of early prototyping on solution development:
The project demonstrated that early research, prototyping and hands‑on demonstration activities are highly effective in shaping a viable solution. Deploying prototype sensing devices and a temporary data‑collection server clarified real‑world data behaviours, validated technical assumptions and directly informed the final firmware specification. This significantly reduced delivery risk. Future projects should continue to embed early-stage prototyping as a core activity, ensuring that trial environments mimic operational conditions as closely as possible.
Integrating new data streams into OT systems requires extensive collaboration:
Integrating the new data stream into UK Power Networks’ OT environment has taken longer than expected. Dependencies across cyber security, architecture, supplier onboarding and documentation required an iterative approach. A key learning is the need for early alignment between innovation teams, cyber, OT architecture and hardware vendor partners, with clearly defined milestones and integration checkpoints. Future projects should incorporate these integration demands into timeline and resource estimates.
Importance of working with project partners that have experience in both electrical and mobile networks:
Involving a partner with expertise across both mobile and electricity networks has proved highly valuable. Neutral Networks’ cross‑sector knowledge helped bridge gaps between technical SMEs, ensured accurate interpretation of telecoms data in an electrical networks context, and accelerated decision‑making. This multidisciplinary perspective improved solution design, reduced misunderstanding, and supported more effective collaboration between UK Power Networks’ teams and external stakeholders.
