Neoenergia Invests in IoT Technology to Modernize Communications Infrastructure and make Distribution Network Resilient
Neoenergia is investing in IoT (Internet of Things) technology to modernize its communications infrastructure and make its distribution network efficient and resilient.
The tests carried out with fuse switch sensors estimated a 30% reduction in the travel time of repair teams, improving service provision. In early 2026, the company developed a multi-access IoT connectivity ecosystem capable of keeping its operational devices connected by switching between three possible connection networks: private LTE in the 450 MHz band, public LTE and satellite.
The system switches between the private and public bands and, from H2 2026, it will be able to operate with satellite networks using NTN-IoT (Non Terrestrial Networks) technology. The solution also ensures communication in remote areas.
The high availability of communication between operational devices, such as network sensors, reclosers and smart meters allows locating faults quickly and accurately. This helps in faster power restoration in the event of outages and greater efficiency for the company in managing equipment and in the field work of operational teams.
"Investments in modernizing and digitizing the network reinforce the reliability of the energy supply, increasing the resilience of the network and strengthening operational intelligence,” said Jader Carneiro, Neoenergia's Network Digitization Superintendent. “With the adoption of IoT, Neoenergia is delivering an increasingly better customer experience and is moving towards meeting its goal of digitizing 90% of its high-voltage and medium-voltage networks by 2030."
Neoenergia's progress in telecommunications is related to the use of the 450 MHz frequency band. In Brazil, the company secured authorization to use the band in order to deploy a private LTE network. The project began in 2024, in Brasilia, with three base stations, and currently has 13 stations in the final stages of implementation to extend coverage to the entire concession area by 2028.
The platform allowing flexibility between the three means of communication is the Qualcomm 9205S LTE IoT modem, adopted as the central component of the new connected devices of Neoenergia's distributors. The module supports operation on public and private bands, as well as integration with satellite networks, guaranteeing connectivity during signal failure or limitation.
The company was also dependent on national technology partners Nepen, Constanta, HartBR, Tecsys and Novus to scale the IoT architecture and integrate the modem with the main equipment in the electricity grid.
"Our technology, present in the Qualcomm 9205S LTE IoT modem, is designed to offer the flexibility and reliability that enable resilient connectivity, intelligently switching between private, public and, in the future, satellite networks,” said Leonardo Finizola e Silva, Head of Product Marketing LatAm IE-IOT. “This initiative is a fundamental step for the country to advance in the digitalization of its infrastructure and reinforces our commitment to boosting the IoT ecosystem in the region."
The management of IoT devices, such as sensors, reclosers and smart meters, and the switching of profiles between the private LTE network, public LTE and, in the future, NTN, will be done remotely through Neoenergia's connectivity management platform. Control is possible using eSIM SGP.32 technology, a specification from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the global organization of mobile operators.
Connectivity management was developed for Neoenergia in partnership with Arqia, Thales and BR Captura to increase operational flexibility, reduce costs and accelerate the expansion of the fleet of connected devices.