Securing Utility Networks in an LTE/5G World: Lessons from Wisconsin

February 05, 2026
Digitalizing the Grid - Booth #6045
Digital Transformation , Digitalizing the Grid Knowledge Hub , Communication Networks , Cybersecurity

As utilities adopt private cellular networks to support smart grid infrastructure and critical operations, secure device connectivity is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical. In this joint session, OneLayer, a leader in cellular network security, WEC Energy Group, Wisconsin’s largest utility, Palo Alto, a leader in cybersecurity will share insights from the recent Cellcom outage that disrupted communications across the state.

Attendees will learn: 

  • The vulnerabilities exposed when public MNO infrastructure becomes a single point of failure 
  • The importance of gaining visibility into all connected devices, including those behind routers and adaptors 
  • How utilities can segment, secure, and monitor cellular-connected devices and how this can reinforce security at the edge 
  • Best practices for resiliency planning, including faster incident response and fallback mechanisms

This session will offer a rare inside look at how one of the country’s most forward-leaning utilities is preparing for a future where device identity, segmentation, and access control must extend to APNs as well as Private LTE and 5G networks. 

Session Sponsored by OneLayer