Cable operators are deploying small cell radios through their existing HFC network infrastructure to offload data and associated costs of offering mobility services through a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) arrangement. Attaching small cell radios to the existing HFC network enables rapid deployment at a fraction of the cost and time as traditional deployment methods.

Operators are looking at introducing nanogrid architectures into critical facilities to maintain reliability in the face of increased thermal loading and to eliminate points of failure. Nanogrid architectures will further enable the use of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as wind or solar to supplement utility power, allowing operators to realize additional cost benefits by avoiding peak usage utility rates or selling power back to the grid.