CommsConnect NIA explores how a deeper understanding of the interdependence between mobile and electricity networks could strengthen resilience across both systems. By monitoring connectivity at thousands of sites, the project seeks to improve fault response and post-fault analysis, ultimately helping deliver more reliable services for customers and communities.
What is the project about?
CommsConnect NIA is designed to help Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) gain better visibility into the resilience of public mobile networks, with a focus on understanding how these two critical systems depend on one another. The project is using two complementary data-gathering approaches to assess the resilience and power autonomy of mobile networks:
Upgrading mobile routers – existing routers were enhanced with software that used idle time to monitor nearby mobile network availability. Deployed across DNO regions, these routers acted as a wide-area sensor network, detecting and reporting mobile outages.
Collaborating with mobile network operators – engaging directly with operators to gather site-specific data, including mast locations and, where possible, details of the backup power autonomy available at each site.
How we’re doing it
CommsConnect NIA is being delivered through a dual-track approach that combined hardware enhancements with strategic data partnerships. First, UK Power Networks will test software updates to the mobile routers already installed across substations. During idle periods, these routers can scan nearby mobile networks and report outages or signal issues, creating a real-time sensor network across the electricity grid. Second, the project will work directly with mobile network operators to collect mast location and power autonomy data, providing insight into how long each site can continue operating during a power cut.
What makes it innovative
CommsConnect NIA is innovative because it connected two critical infrastructures, telecoms and electricity, by using existing assets in a novel way. Rather than installing new hardware, the project repurposes idle time on existing mobile routers to scan public networks, transforming passive devices into active sensors. This low-cost, scalable approach created wide-area visibility without disrupting current operations.
The project is also breaking new ground in cross-sector data sharing. Through collaboration with mobile network operators, UK Power Networks is gaining valuable insights into resilience and power autonomy, enabling smarter decisions on where to deploy backup communications, particularly in storm-prone or vulnerable areas.
Operationally, CommsConnect NIA is supporting multiple DNO use cases, including fault root cause analysis, deployment planning and monitoring mobile network availability for field staff. Beyond the electricity sector, the project’s learnings will benefit Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) and Transmission Operators (TOs). To maximise these benefits, CommsConnect NIA is engaging a wider audience of potential partners and work towards standardising requirements across DNOs and MNOs.
What we’re learning
CommsConnect NIA will look to generate new insights into the resilience of public mobile networks and their interdependence with electricity distribution systems. The project is trialling two innovative approaches: first, upgrading existing mobile routers to passively monitor network availability during idle time; and second, working with mobile network operators to map mast locations and assess their power autonomy. Together, these methods aim to build a wide-area sensor network that detected outages and provides visibility of mobile network performance across DNO regions.
Early findings highlight how mobile network reliability directly affects DNO operations, particularly during outages and emergency events. The project is also underlining the importance of standardised data-sharing protocols between DNOs and mobile operators to improve coordination and response. In addition, it will identify geographic areas where weak mobile coverage poses operational risks, prompting discussion around infrastructure investment and resilience planning.
Ultimately, CommsConnect NIA is helping shape a more integrated, whole-systems approach to network resilience. The insights gained are expected to strengthen infrastructure planning and deliver more robust, responsive services across the UK energy sector.
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