EUTC participated for the first time in the 14th BEREC Stakeholder Forum, held in Brussels on March 31, 2026. Represented by Board Members Sergio Ramos Pinto and Vincent Audebert, we engaged with regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across Europe, contributing to discussions on the future of electronic communications and digital infrastructure.
Recognised as a key annual gathering in the European telecoms calendar, the Forum brought together representatives from national regulatory authorities, European institutions, and industry to exchange perspectives on the evolving regulatory and technological landscape shaping the sector.
This year’s discussions focused on key priorities for Europe’s connectivity ecosystem. Through interactive “Meet & Greet” sessions with BEREC Working Group Co-Chairs, Sergio and Vincent engaged in targeted exchanges on topics such as network evolution, market dynamics, cybersecurity, sustainability, and regulatory developments.
Throughout the day, EUTC connected with stakeholders across the ecosystem, exploring how robust and secure telecommunications networks can support critical infrastructure and enable Europe’s digital transition. Participation in plenary sessions and keynote discussions further provided insights into the challenges and opportunities linked to next-generation networks and the broader evolution of telecoms policy.
Beyond the sessions, the Forum offered valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with regulators and industry peers, and to identify areas for continued dialogue and collaboration on the future of Europe’s digital networks.
EUTC participated for the first time in the Africa Energy Indaba 2026, held in Cape Town on March 3-5. Represented by Tracey Sheehan, we had the chance to engage with stakeholders from the African telecommunications and energy sectors, contributing to discussions on the development of resilient infrastructure across the continent.
Recognised as one of the leading energy conferences on the continent, the Indaba brings together energy leaders, policymakers, regulators and utilities to exchange perspectives on the future of the sector and discuss key priorities such as energy generation, infrastructure development and investment in sustainable energy systems.
This year’s theme, “Igniting the Power Revolution”, set the stage for meaningful conversations about Africa’s energy future. Throughout the event, Tracey connected with stakeholders from across the continent, exploring how telecommunications solutions can support reliable, sustainable and cost-effective energy networks. She also participated in sessions on energy decarbonization and the green transition, sharing insights on the vital role connectivity plays in building modern, resilient infrastructure.
Beyond the sessions, the event offered valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with utility representatives and identify new areas for collaboration.
As part of EUTC’s mission to foster dialogue between the telecommunications and utility sectors, the association once again participated in the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, held from March 2 to 5. During the week, EUTC was also involved in the CIGRE SC D2 International Roundtable on Telecommunications, jointly organised by CIGREand the 450 MHz Alliance, which took place in parallel with the congress.
The Association was represented in both events by Adrian Grilli, EUTC Technology Advisor, and Vincent Audebert, Board Member and 5G & IoT Expert at EDF. They had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and participated in high-level discussions at the forefront of digital innovation.
About the Mobile World Congress
Mobile World Congress stands as one of the most influential global gatherings for the telecommunications and technology sectors, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to explore the latest advancements in connectivity, digital transformation and infrastructure. Each year, MWC convenes tens of thousands of participants from across the globe to discuss key developments shaping the digital economy.
The 2026 edition focused in particular on the theme of “The IQ Era”, highlighting the growing integration of artificial intelligence with connectivity and digital infrastructure. Discussions centred on topics such as AI-driven networks, intelligent digital infrastructure, the evolution of 5G and the pathway towards 6G, satellite-to-device connectivity, and the role of telecommunications in enabling resilient and innovative digital ecosystems across industries.
About the CIGRE SC D2 International Roundtable on Telecommunications
The CIGRE workshop provided a platform to present EUTC’s work within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and contribute to discussions on how telecommunications solutions can support the monitoring and control of utility networks.
The session addressed the challenges of applying telecommunications to the monitoring and control of utility networks. Particular attention was given to the need for highly reliable, secure, and low-latency communication systems capable of supporting real-time grid operations and critical infrastructure management. Participants discussed how increasing digitalisation and the growing use of sensors, smart devices, and automated systems require robust telecommunications architectures to ensure continuous data exchange between control centres and field equipment.
EUTC is delighted to announce that its Annual Event will take place on September 29–30, 2026, in Rome, Italy. The event will once again bring together key stakeholders from across the utility and telecommunications ecosystem for two days of high-level discussion, exchange, and networking.
Participation is free for EUTC members, for up to three representatives per organisation.
Want to make the most of your presence at Europe’s leading utility telecoms event? EUTC offers a variety of ways to engage, showcase your expertise, and connect with key industry stakeholders.
For more information or to book a slot in the agenda, contact us at communications@eutc.org. Don’t miss the chance to maximise your impact!
About the EUTC Annual Event
The conference is the flagship gathering of the association, offering a unique platform for utilities, technology providers, policymakers, regulators, and industry experts to come together and explore the most pressing topics shaping the future of utility communications.
Each year, the event provides participants with:
Strategic insights into regulatory, technological, and market developments impacting critical communications for utilities
Expert-led discussions and panels on topics such as spectrum, digitalisation, resilience, and emerging technologies
Opportunities to connect and network with peers and decision-makers from across Europe and beyond
Register today to secure your spot to join us in Rome!
Further details on the agenda and speakers will be shared in due course. In the meantime, please contact us at communications@eutc.org if you have any questions.
EUTC was pleased to host the third edition of its Webinar on Satellites, which took place online on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Building on the success of the previous two editions, the webinar explored the latest advancements in satellite services for the utility sector, offering practical insights for real-world industry applications.
The session included Dr Abhaya Sumanasena (Real Wireless), Liam Beard (Vodafone), Franck Ranera (ICEYE), and Brice Jourdain (Eutelsat), each offering their perspectives and expertise on satellite-enabled communications for the utility sector.
Attendees had the chance to dive deeper into:
The future of satellite and terrestrial mobile network sharing
Developments in satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for utility network requirements
The use of SAR satellites to monitor storm and wildfire damage to utility infrastructure
The capabilities and potential of multi-orbit satellite networks for enterprise and utility applications
If you could not join us, please contact us at communications@eutc.org to access the recording of the session.
EUTC was pleased to host an exclusive webinar on November 25, following the success of the first edition, this second session brought together leading industry experts to continue the conversation on satellite services in the utility sector.
The session was introduced by Vincent Audebert (EDF) and included contributions from leading industry representatives. Marco Guadalupi (Sateliot), Jon Pearce (Lacuna Space), Christian Bergan (TSAT), and Thierry Berisot (Novamint) took part in the programme, offering their perspectives and expertise.
Attendees had the chance to dive deeper into:
Current applications of satellite services in the utility sector
Emerging challenges and how to overcome them
Future developments shaping the industry
If you could not join us, please contact as at communications@eutc.org to access the recording of the session.
Organized as part of “CIP Week in Europe” and co-located with TIEMS – The International Emergency Management Society, CIPRE 2025 is a leading event bringing together critical infrastructure operators, policy-makers, and resilience professionals to tackle today’s most pressing infrastructure protection and continuity challenges.
EUTC’s Technology Advisor on Secure Communications for Critical Infrastructure
We’re delighted to announce that Adrian Grilli, Technology Advisor to EUTC, will be among the featured speakers at CIPRE 2025. Adrian will share key insights during his session titled: “Secure and Resilient Communications for Critical Energy Infrastructure: Lessons from Europe’s Utilities”
In his talk, Adrian will explore:
The evolving role of private telecommunications networks in supporting energy transition and resilience goals.
How utility telecoms can meet the increasing demands of grid digitalization, NIS2 compliance, and cross-border coordination.
Best practices from EUTC members on deploying secure, high-availability communications systems under growing threat landscapes.
The importance of collaborative frameworks to enhance response capabilities during physical and cyber disruptions.
This is a must-attend session for any stakeholder involved in energy communications, infrastructure resilience, or utility cybersecurity strategy.
Commercial Opportunities for EUTC Partners
Are you interested in showcasing your technology, services, or solutions at one of Europe’s premier infrastructure resilience events?
Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at CIPRE 2025 are now available. If your company is interested in increasing visibility within the critical infrastructure and utilities sector, please contact the organisers for further details.
Exclusive EUTC Discount
As a supporting organization, EUTC is pleased to offer an exclusive discount code to attend CIPRE 2025. To access your special rate, visit https://www.cipre-expo.com/buy-tickets/ and use the code ‘EUTC25’ to benefit.
The European Utilities Telecom Council (EUTC) made its debut with its own stand at Enlit Europe 2025, marking an important step in showcasing our work to strengthen telecommunications for Europe’s utilities. The event offered an excellent opportunity to present our latest initiatives, share insights with industry leaders, and highlight the critical role of robust connectivity in enabling reliable, digitalised energy grids.
Throughout the event, EUTC engaged with participants at our stand, fostering technical discussions, knowledge exchange, and new collaborations. The strong engagement highlighted the importance of collaboration across the sector to ensure Europe’s energy infrastructure is resilient, secure, and future-ready.
Launch of the EUTC and Ericsson White Paper
A key milestone at the event was the launch of the joint EUTC-Ericsson White Paper on energy grid resilience. Highlighting lessons from recent blackouts across Europe, the white paper explores actionable strategies for building more secure and resilient networks to support the continent’s energy transition.
The findings were presented during a press briefing at Enlit’s Inspire Stage by Adrian Grilli, EUTC Technology Advisor, and Pilar Rodríguez López from Ericsson, followed by a panel discussion with industry and regulatory leaders. Read the full white paper and open letter here.
EUTC speaking at the Digitalisation Hub
In addition to our exhibition presence, EUTC led and participated in the session “Telecoms: Powering Utility Operations”, moderated by Adrian Grilli and introduced by Board Member Alberto Sendin. Panelists from Enedis, E-REDES, Alliander, and Iberdrola discussed how hybrid technologies, satellites (LEO), private 4G/5G networks, fibre, radio, Broadband PLC, and software-defined networks are shaping the future of utility telecoms.
The session reinforced that resilient connectivity is essential for the reliable digitalisation of energy grids, while interoperability, spectrum harmonisation, and professional telecom networks remain central to sector resilience.
The EUTC was thrilled to celebrate its 2025 Annual Event, a premier gathering of industry leaders and experts set to explore the most pressing topics in energy and telecommunications. The conference was held on November 4 and 5, 2025, at the Hotel NH Brussels Grand Sablon (Rue Bodenbroek 2, 1000 Brussels, Belgium); two days of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge innovations.
For this edition of the EUTC annual event, we were delighted to start with a special session at the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Pilar del Castillo, on November 4, 2025, from 08:30 to 10:30 AM. The debate focused on advancing security and resilience of electricity to strengthen European energy sovereignty.
Dynamic panels and insightful presentations
The conference provided an opportunity to focus on strategic topics, featuring the following sessions:
Spotlight to EUTC international partners | Andreas Breuer (EUTC), Dymitr Wajsman (UTCAL), Rusty Williams (UTC)
Panel discussion on major network issues in 2025: telecoms issues associated with Blackout in Iberian Peninsula | Alberto Sendin (Iberdrola), Sergio Ramos Pinto (E-REDES), Vincent Audebert (EDF), João Galamba Oliveira (E-REDES), moderated by Julian Stafford (TCCA)
Panel discussion on Building the resilient utility of the future: exploring grid scenarios and their telecom implications | Noel Rushe (ESB), Arjan Olde Damink (450 connect), Saida Haji (Accenture), moderated by Gösta Kellner (450 MHz Alliance)
UHF Band (N71) & 3GPP to improve support critical functions for society | Jos Berière (TNO)
Protecting the operational telecoms of European energy infrastructures in the face of major interference from hackers, organized crime and nation states | Vyniarskyi Andrii (DTEK Group)
AI for utilities: international taskforce report | Noel Rushe (ESB), Dymitr Wajsman (UTCAL), moderated by Adrian Grilli (EUTC)
6G Sustain Project | Damian Bevan (Real Wireless)
International Panel on Standards, Regulations & Spectrum | Ronaldo Santarem (UTCAL), Noel Kirkaldy (Nokia), Vincent Audebert (EDF), Christian Kuhlins (Ericsson), David He Qiang (Huawei), Gösta Kellner (450 MHz Alliance), Kevin Graham (TCCA)
Fuelled by our sponsors!
We would like to thank all sponsors for their contribution and for providing the below presentations:
Nokia | Quantum safe networks for critical infrastructure protection and resilience
Chronos | Timing at the heart of the grid: evolving requirements for critical utility networks
Tait Communications | Powering resilience: the mission-critical communications backbone of utilities. Exploring the 3Rs – reliability, redundancy, and restoration
Teldat | Beyond connectivity: how Teldat uses AI to redefine cyber and physical security in utility networks
Westermo | European sovereignty in action: Westermo and Alliander
Power Plus Communications (PPC) | Cyber-resilient critical infrastructure: secure data communications for future smart grids
Additionally, we appreciate the engagement of our Silver Sponsors Tetra Safety Systems and TSAT.
Networking dinner at La Maison du Cygen
Moreover, we hosted an exclusive networking dinner for participants on the evening of November 4 at the restaurant La Maison du Cygne (Grand Place 9, 1000 Bruxelles, Bélgica), in the heart of Brussels; a unique opportunity for attendees to connect in a relaxed setting and exchange ideas.
Additional information
Are you interested in receiving information about next’s year edition of the EUTC Annual Event? Reach out to us at communications@eutc.org.
Find below more images about this unique experience!
The Critical Role of Private Networks in Mission-Critical Services
At MWC 2025, the premier global event for mobile technology and services, Ericsson hosted an exclusive session on the importance of Private Networks for mission-critical services. As part of the discussion, EUTC affiliate members, including Southern Linc and EDF, shared their insights on the unique role these networks play and how 3GPP standardization continues to shape their evolution.
Southern Linc, an early adopter of the 3GPP 4G ecosystem, highlighted its extensive experience in deploying mission-critical Private Networks. Their real-world track record demonstrated the unmatched resilience and reliability of purpose-built networks, engineered to withstand extreme external challenges, such as severe weather events. Beyond technology, the discussion underscored the importance of tailored operational capabilities, including tactical and mobile infrastructure that is strategically prepositioned to ensure uninterrupted service.
EDF shared its strong track record in research and innovation within the telecommunications domain, playing a key role in identifying the limitations of existing technology ecosystems when applied to utility use cases. By highlighting these gaps, EDF continues to drive both the vendor community and peer utilities toward developing future solutions that better align with the industry’s evolving needs.
Furthermore, EDF emphasized the necessity for utilities to actively participate in standardization efforts, ensuring that energy sector-specific requirements are well-represented in global telecom standards while fostering innovation and strengthening the resilience of mission-critical network
EUTC’s Call for a Coordinated Approach
EUTC continues to advocate for greater global collaboration among utilities, emphasizing the need for better coordination and harmonization of critical resources, particularly in spectrum access and technology standardization.
With the acceleration of the energy transition and the increasing electrification of the economy and society, grids are being reinforced to support higher-capacity energy flows both within and across countries. This shift makes energy resilience and security more critical than ever.
The value proposition of Private Networks is clear—not only in their rapid return on investment but also in their indispensable role in ensuring economic and societal stability. Ultimately, it is European economies and citizens who stand to benefit, with utilities serving as the key enablers of a more connected, reliable, and secure energy future.
EUTC will continue to advocate for policy frameworks that establish common criteria and objectives for “Digital Survivability” risk assessment, ensuring a consistent approach across countries and reinforcing business continuity for digital energy infrastructures. As the energy sector faces evolving challenges, Private Networks—purpose-built for resilience and security—will remain a cornerstone of energy availability and stability.
EUTC urges national governments to develop comprehensive business continuity strategies, recognizing the historic and ongoing contribution of private, dedicated networks in safeguarding mission-critical operations and securing the future of energy infrastructure.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to Ericsson for its pioneering initiatives and invaluable contributions to the open dialogue on enhancing and securing connected Smart Grids. Ericsson’s continuous technological advancements and unwavering commitment to standardization are key to developing the technical capabilities that support this vital transformation. We commend Ericsson for its leadership in driving progress and shaping the future of connected infrastructure.”
