|
Welcome to the October 2026 UBBA Newsletter
Insights, progress, and priorities from UBBA leadership as we work together to advance the future of utility connectivity.
| | |
From the Executive Director: Where True Grit Met the Grid and Innovation Came to Life
What an incredible week in Fort Worth! The 2026 UBBA Summit & Plugfest brought together utility leaders, technology innovators, and industry partners with a shared purpose: advancing the communications infrastructure, technology, and collaboration needed to power a more reliable, resilient, and intelligent grid.
Our theme, “Where True Grit Meets the Grid,” couldn't have been more fitting. Throughout the Summit, we witnessed the determination, innovation, and collaboration that define our industry. From thought-provoking discussions about emerging operational challenges to live Plugfest demonstrations showcasing next-generation AMI 2.0 use cases, this year's event demonstrated what makes UBBA unique: we don't just talk about what's possible…we bring utilities and industry partners together to explore, test, and validate what works.
One of my biggest takeaways was the growing recognition that communications infrastructure is no longer simply a technology decision. It is foundational to how utilities operate, respond to challenges, and deliver reliable, affordable energy to the communities they serve. Whether discussing grid-edge intelligence, field operations, cybersecurity, or the evolution of private broadband networks, the conversations consistently came back to achieving real operational outcomes.
I want to extend a special thank you to our outstanding host utilities, Oncor Electric Delivery and LCRA, whose leadership and support helped make this event such a success. I am equally grateful to our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, Plugfest participants, and especially our utility members who generously share their experiences and expertise to advance our industry.
As you explore this month's newsletter, I hope you'll enjoy revisiting the highlights, innovations, and people who made the 2026 Summit & Plugfest so memorable. More importantly, I hope you'll carry forward the ideas, connections, and opportunities that emerged in Fort Worth.
The Summit may be over, but our work is just getting started. Together, we're building more than networks - we're building the foundation for the future of utility operations.
With appreciation,
Bobbi Harris
Executive Director
Utility Broadband Alliance
| | Another Record-Setting Summit & Plugfest | |
Fort Worth delivered in a big way.
The 2026 UBBA Summit & Plugfest brought the utility broadband community together for another record-setting event filled with utility-led conversations, packed sessions, meaningful connections, and real-world collaboration around the future of utility communications.
From the opening keynote and fireside conversations to the sold-out Innovation Zone, Plugfest activity, networking events, and everything in between, this year’s Summit reflected the continued momentum behind UBBA and the growing importance of secure, resilient, future-ready communications for utilities.
Thank you to our attendees, host utilities, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners for making Fort Worth one to remember. Where True Grit Met the Grid, the UBBA community showed up.
| | UBBA Insights: Research Meets Real-World Conversation | | |
The utility industry is entering a new era of grid complexity, driven by rising demand from data centers and AI, growing adoption of distributed energy resources, and increasing expectations for reliability, affordability, and operational intelligence.
Through The Utility Broadband Revolution: Insights, UBBA has been exploring how communications infrastructure is evolving to meet those demands. Drawing on more than two dozen interviews with utility telecommunications, grid operations, and IT leaders, along with solution providers, survey data, and supporting research, the new UBBA Insights Whitepaper examines the business, technology, organizational, and operational considerations shaping utility broadband strategies today.
That research came to life at the 2026 UBBA Summit & Plugfest during a special UBBA Insights panel, where industry executives explored the next generation of grid management and the growing role of Private LTE, AI, advanced communications networks, and intelligent grid operations. The discussion connected the strategic themes identified through the research with the real-world challenges utilities are navigating as they prepare for a more distributed, data-intensive, and dynamic grid.
| | Celebrating the 2026 UBBA Award Winners | | |
One of the highlights of this year’s Summit was recognizing the individuals and organizations helping move the utility broadband industry forward.
Congratulations to our four 2026 UBBA Award recipients for their leadership, innovation, collaboration, and continued commitment to advancing the mission of the Utility Broadband Alliance.
Their contributions represent the spirit of the UBBA community: sharing experience, challenging what’s possible, and working together to strengthen the future of utility connectivity.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s honorees!
| | Giving Back: Empower Africa Foundation | | |
At the 2026 UBBA Summit & Plugfest, we were proud to shine a spotlight on the Empower Africa Foundation (EAF) as this year’s charitable organization.
Empower Africa Foundation works alongside local leaders and organizations already serving their communities, helping provide the financial support, resources, and visibility they need to expand their impact. Its work supports efforts including meals for families in need, education and skills development, safe spaces for vulnerable children, and community-based programs in South Africa and Uganda.
For those who joined us in Fort Worth, the video below offered a closer look at the people, communities, and purpose behind EAF’s mission. We’re pleased to share it again and encourage the UBBA community to learn more about the organization and consider supporting its work.
Watch the video below, and if you feel inspired to help, consider making a contribution to Empower Africa Foundation.
| | |
Fort Worth may be behind us, but the momentum is already carrying us toward San Diego in 2027.
The next UBBA Summit & Plugfest is officially on the horizon, and we’re already looking ahead to another year of utility-led conversations, hands-on collaboration, industry connections, and the ideas shaping the future of utility connectivity.
San Diego, we’re coming your way. Full Steam Ahead.
Stay tuned for more as we chart the course to 2027.
| | 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! | | | | |
