First Private 5G for the U.S. Power Grid Goes Live in Tennessee, Powered by Nokia

Finland's Nokia announced on July 14, 2025 that its private 5G network has been selected by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), a utility in Tennessee, U.S. MLGW is the first operator in the U.S. to fully deploy standalone (SA) private 5G MLGW will be the first operator in the U.S. to fully deploy stand-alone (SA) private 5G on its power grid. The deployment will enhance service for more than 420,000 customers.

MLGW is one of the largest municipal infrastructure companies in the United States, providing electricity, gas, and water in a single package. The private 5G network to be introduced this time will enable real-time communications to support automated meter reading, power grid monitoring, fault detection, and remote response for on-site work, contributing to automation and improved operational efficiency for the entire MLGW. It will also support rapid recovery from disasters and cyber attacks, as well as serve as a foundation for future EV infrastructure, storage battery management, connected mobility, and other next-generation technologies.

Nokia will provide AirScale wireless access equipment and enterprise core network solutions, NetGuard cybersecurity products, microwave backhaul equipment, and base station infrastructure. The size of the contract is estimated at approximately $31 million ($4.6 billion).

Doug McGowen, CEO of MLGW, commented, "The introduction of the 5G network is a core initiative in our power grid modernization plan. Through high-speed and reliable communications, we will be able to improve resiliency in the event of power outages and achieve further automation and smart control.

Materials

• Nokia to deploy private 5G network for Memphis Light, Gas and Water's grid modernization initiative
• First standalone private 5G network for a municipal utility launched
• Nokia wins a private 5G utility deal with MLGW