WOODLAND PARK, N.J. and KANSAS
CITY, Sept. 20, 2021
/PRNewswire/ -- Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) and Evergy (NYSE: EVRG)
today announced the signing of an agreement providing Evergy the
use of Anterix's 900 MHz broadband spectrum throughout Evergy's
28,130-square mile service territory in Kansas and Missouri. The long-term lease agreement is for
20 years, with two 10-year renewal options. Evergy plans to
utilize the Anterix spectrum to deploy a private wireless broadband
communications network using LTE technology to support its grid
modernization initiatives.
"Evergy is an innovative leader in the utility sector, and we
are pleased to welcome them as the third utility in just nine
months to sign a contract with Anterix for access to our 900 MHz
spectrum for private LTE, joining Ameren and San Diego Gas &
Electric," said Rob Schwartz,
Anterix's President & CEO. "We're also excited about this
relationship because Evergy's service area shares 25 Missouri counties with Ameren's territory,
setting the stage for the two utilities to demonstrate the first
instance of collaboration towards a 'network of networks' using 900
MHz private LTE." Under its earlier arrangement with Anterix,
Ameren leases the 900 MHz band spectrum throughout its service
territory in Illinois and
Missouri, including those 25
counties.
When the Federal Communications Commission identified 6 MHz of
900 MHz spectrum for broadband in May
2020, Evergy's land mobile radio system was a significant
user of narrowband channels within that block, thus qualifying as a
"complex system" under the new rules. That same month, Evergy
agreed to exchange spectrum with Anterix, allowing Evergy to move
its land mobile radio system to different 900 MHz frequencies
outside the broadband allocation, thus freeing the 6 MHz of
broadband spectrum for a potential future LTE system.
"Smart grid technologies have a growing importance for our grid
modernization efforts as we continue to transform our operations to
a focus on clean, safe and reliable energy. Today's agreement with
Anterix provides a key component of the communications foundation
required to help advance these initiatives, which are not only
important for increased safety and efficiency, but are also crucial
to maintain a resilient grid in the future," said Kevin
Bryant, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at
Evergy.
Since its creation from the 2018 merger of local energy
providers Westar and Kansas City Power & Light, Evergy has been
working to consolidate the operations of the merged utilities to
best serve its 1.6 million customers. Its new agreement with
Anterix will help achieve that goal. The private LTE network using
Anterix's 900 MHz spectrum will enable a secure broadband
communications capability throughout the combined service territory
and facilitate the unified adoption of smart grid applications.
About Anterix
At Anterix, we are focused on delivering
transformative broadband that enables the modernization of critical
infrastructure for the energy, transportation, logistics and other
sectors of our economy. As the largest holder of licensed
spectrum in the 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz) throughout the
contiguous United States, plus
Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto
Rico, we are uniquely positioned to enable the private LTE
broadband solutions that support secure, resilient, and
customer-controlled operations. For more information, visit:
www.anterix.com
About Evergy, Inc.
Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) serves
approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. We were formed in 2018 when
long-term local energy providers KCP&L and Westar Energy
merged. We are a leader in renewable energy, supplying nearly half
of the power we provide to homes and businesses from emission-free
generation. We support our local communities where we live and work
and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings
and innovative solutions.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this presentation, other than
historical information, regarding Any statements in this press
release regarding Anterix Inc. or its business operations, plans
and opportunities, other than historical information, constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal
securities laws. Any such forward-looking statements are based on
Anterix's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks
and uncertainties that could cause Anterix's actual future results
to differ materially from its current expectations or those implied
by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to: (i) Anterix may not be successful
in commercializing its spectrum assets to its targeted utility and
critical infrastructure customers, on a timely basis and on
favorable terms; (ii) Anterix may be unable to secure broadband
licenses from the FCC on a timely and cost-effective basis; and
(iii) the value of Anterix's spectrum assets may fluctuate
significantly based on supply and demand, as well as technical and
regulatory changes. These and other risk factors that may affect
Anterix's future results of operations are identified and described
in more detail in its filings with the SEC, including its Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2021. Accordingly, you should not rely
upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events.
Except as required by applicable law, Anterix undertakes no
obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking
statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new
information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
Media Contacts
Anterix:
Natasha Vecchiarelli
Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Anterix
973-531-4397
nvecchiarelli@anterix.com
James Fuller
Executive Vice President
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
240-393-1369
James.Fuller@hkstrategies.com
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SOURCE Anterix Inc.