How Nokia’s Private 5G Tech Is Reshaping Utilities

As the energy grid modernizes and digital transformation reshapes utilities, private wireless networks (PWNs) are emerging as critical infrastructure. The shift to 5G and edge computing is driving new use cases like real-time distribution automation and advanced metering—applications that demand ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity. PWNs give utilities the dedicated control, security, and scalability needed to support these mission-critical operations without relying on public networks.

So what exactly makes private wireless networks so valuable to utilities—and how are companies like Nokia and Verizon shaping this evolution?

Welcome to Verizon Business. In this episode, host Wayne Weeks, Senior Manager of Production Marketing at Verizon, is joined by Ali Shah, Head of Technology, Mobile Network Enterprise at Nokia Americas, on the sidelines of Distributech 2025 in Dallas. They explore the rising demand for PWNs, the technology behind them, and how Nokia’s solutions are driving a new era of secure, scalable, and future-proof utility networks.

• Shah explains the core differences between public and private wireless networks, highlighting the benefits of control, data sovereignty, and tailored coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
• He outlines how utilities are deploying private LTE and 5G to transform use cases like outage detection, remote recovery, and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI 2.0).
• The conversation dives into critical trends such as open standards, edge compute, and the shift to CAPEX-heavy investments to streamline long-term OPEX for utilities.

Ali Shah is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of global leadership in wireless/mobile networks, specializing in 4G/5G strategy, enterprise business development, and AI/ML-driven network optimization. At Nokia, he currently leads technology strategy for Mobile Networks in North America, focusing on enterprise verticals like utilities and enabling private LTE/5G solutions. His career spans senior roles at Nokia and Ericsson, where he has driven innovations from 3G to 5G, managed large-scale RF and network deployments, and taught wireless strategy and automation at the university level.

Article written by MarketScale.