Utilities have relied on legacy systems for decades, but how can they bridge the gap between ageing infrastructure and next-generation connectivity?
Australian essential service providers face a growing imperative to modernise their telecommunications and operational technology infrastructure.
Many are contending with ageing SCADA systems, analogue radios and fixed-line networks that are increasingly costly to maintain and unable to support the demands of today’s digital operations. At the same time, utilities must maintain operational uptime, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver reliable services – often in some of the country’s most remote and challenging environments.
The challenge: bridging legacy systems and next-gen connectivity
Legacy infrastructure has served utilities well for decades but presents significant limitations today, including:
Manual data collection and delays
Many assets still require field crews to collect data manually, delaying fault detection and driving reactive maintenance.
Coverage gaps
Remote pumping stations, substations and other assets often experience patchy or no cellular coverage, complicating real-time monitoring.
Integration difficulties
New IoT sensors, smart meters, and analytics platforms frequently struggle to interface with older SCADA and telemetry systems.
Security risks
Legacy systems lack modern cybersecurity safeguards, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.
These challenges affect operational efficiency, worker safety, environmental risk management and the ability to respond quickly to incidents.
So, what’s the solution?
Many utilities, like Icon Water for example, have adopted hybrid wireless networks to overcome these barriers
By layering modern cellular and satellite connectivity on top of existing infrastructure, they Icon Water created flexible, resilient networks that meet current and future needs – without costly rip-and-replace projects.
In collaboration with Vertel – an experienced partner in the Australian telco industry and managed services provider – and Ericsson’s enterprise wireless 5G/LTE technology, Icon Water equipped its mobile fleet with ruggedised in-vehicle routers and hybrid wireless connectivity. Some of the key benefits delivered through solution were:
Reliable field connectivity
By combining 4G/5G cellular with satellite backup, Icon Water achieved real-time network coverage – even in the most remote locations. This ensures continuous monitoring and control of assets regardless of geography or network challenges.
Centralised network management
Ericsson’s NetCloud platform provides remote oversight and optimisation of network performance from headquarters. This enables IT teams to proactively manage connectivity, troubleshoot issues, and deploy updates without dispatching field technicians.
Smooth SCADA and IoT integration
New wireless capabilities layer over existing SCADA and telemetry infrastructure, allowing seamless data flow between legacy systems and modern IoT devices. This hybrid approach extends asset lifecycles and supports the gradual digital transformation of operational technology.
This architecture gives utility teams real-time operational visibility, improving asset management and reducing the need for costly and time-consuming site visits.
Icon Water’s Senior Field Services Manager said, “With Vertel and Ericsson, we’ve moved from working around network limitations to designing networks that meet our needs – wherever we operate.”
Vertel brings more than 50 years of experience delivering communications solutions to Australia’s government and enterprise sectors. The team’s expertise in deploying and managing wireless and hybrid fibre networks is particularly valuable in Australia’s varied and often challenging terrain.
When combined with Ericsson’s trailblazing enterprise wireless solutions – including high-performance 5G routers and the cloud-managed NetCloud platform – the partnership delivers a comprehensive connectivity solution that is:
Always-on connectivity
Ericsson Cradlepoint routers offer dual-SIM routing and intelligent network failover, automatically switching between cellular providers and satellite links to maintain uninterrupted service.
Robust, zero-trust security
SD-WAN architecture combined with zero-trust frameworks protects critical infrastructure from cyber threats, encrypting data and authenticating devices end-to-end.
Integrated platform compatibility
Vertel designed a fully integrated, end-to-end communication system that includes mobile broadcast platforms, satellite links and advanced group communication tools. The solution supports integration with a wide range of enterprise systems, including GIS, SCADA, ERP and advanced analytics platforms, enabling a unified operational picture.
Scalable managed services
Vertel provides flexible, end-to-end managed services that scale with an organisation’s evolving connectivity needs, reducing complexity and operational overhead.
How hybrid wireless networks empower utilities
Ericsson Cradlepoint routers can simultaneously connect to multiple cellular networks and satellite links. This multi-WAN capability enables automatic failover, providing seamless connectivity even if one network experience an outage or congestion – critical for assets in patchy coverage areas.
Ericsson Cradlepoint devices also support edge computing capabilities, allowing local data processing, filtering and analytics at the device level. This reduces latency and bandwidth consumption by sending only relevant data upstream, enabling faster decision-making and reducing operational costs.
The network infrastructure supports standard industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850. This means new wireless telemetry and control devices can interoperate smoothly with legacy SCADA systems, while secure SD-WAN architecture keeps data secure.
Traffic from field devices is encrypted and routed through secure VPN tunnels managed via the NetCloud platform. Integrated zero-trust security ensures access control down to individual devices and users, reducing the attack surface.
This solution also empowers operators through cloud-managed network orchestration. NetCloud enables centralised configuration, monitoring and remote troubleshooting of all network devices from a unified dashboard, improving operational visibility and reducing the need for on-site interventions.
Preparing for the next wave of digitisation
The utilities sector is entering a period of accelerated digital transformation. From climate resilience initiatives to AI-driven decision-making, utilities require networks that are agile, secure and scalable.
Hybrid wireless networks – built on trusted partnerships and industry-leading technology – will be essential enablers of this future. By modernising connectivity today, utilities can improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience and better meet regulatory and environmental obligations.
If you want to understand how your organisation can modernise connectivity and unlock new operational capabilities, Vertel’s utility consultants are offering complimentary 30-minute discovery sessions. They will review your current network architecture and identify opportunities for improvement.
Click here to book a discovery call with Vertel, or visit vertel.com.au
