Always On, Even Off-Grid: A Gas Utility's Connectivity Story

When one of the largest gas utility providers in the country needed uninterrupted communications across its remote field sites, INS and Semtech stepped in to engineer a low-power fix that's kept the signal steady for years.

This case study breaks down the connectivity challenge, the solution we engineered together, and why the same approach is now being extended to future-proof utility networks for the shift from 4G to 5G.

The Challenge: Connectivity Failures They Couldn’t Afford

Gas utilities rely on continuous, real-time visibility into field conditions to operate safely. Remote temperature units, pressure sensors, and valve controls are often the only early warning system for a developing issue at a remote site. Many of these sites sit in harsh, demanding environments — extreme temperatures, exposure, limited physical access — where a communications gap can delay detection of a problem that needs an immediate response.

This customer experienced recurring communication dropouts across critical field applications. Given the application's safety and compliance considerations, they needed full uptime, 100% of the time, with zero tolerance for dropped communications.

The Solution: AirLink® Routers Built for Reliability

INS partnered with Semtech to evaluate a range of possible solutions before landing on their AirLink® cellular routers as the foundation of the deployment. Working together, INS and Semtech identified and refined a solution that has remained in place and performing reliably for years.

Semtech's AirLink® routers are built for low power consumption, making them one of the few options capable of running reliably on a solar-powered site without compromising performance or requiring oversized power infrastructure. A cellular router that draws too much power either shortens battery life, forces oversized solar arrays, or introduces reliability risk. AirLink®'s low power draw meant the utility could deploy consistent connectivity across solar sites without redesigning its power infrastructure — a major factor in making the solution both reliable and cost-effective at scale.

A Two-Decade Connectivity Partnership in Action

This relationship goes deeper than a one-time install. INS and Semtech have worked together for over two decades, and part of that partnership involves bringing new Semtech technology to market through real-world testing:

INS introduces new Semtech devices to a small set of test customers before broader release. Those customers provide direct feedback on what works, what doesn't, and what needs improvement. Semtech incorporates that feedback into the product and gets it ready for the market. From there, we manage inventory, shipping, and rollout logistics, staying in constant communication with the customer to confirm the new technology is meeting expectations.

This process ensures that by the time a new AirLink® device reaches full-scale utility deployment, it's already been field-tested by the customers who will depend on it most.

Looking Ahead: Future-Proofing with 5G RedCap

The utility industry is in the middle of a major technology shift as carriers transition from 4G to 5G over the next several years. Semtech's newest AirLink® routers — built on 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) technology — are designed to solve the timing problem this creates: utilities can deploy now on existing 4G networks and transition to 5G later without swapping cellular router hardware.

For utility companies making significant year-over-year infrastructure changes, this "future-proofing" approach helps protect that investment. When 4G eventually phases out, 5G will already be there — and so will INS and Semtech.

Ready to future-proof your utility connectivity?

If your organization is managing remote field infrastructure and can't afford communication gaps, INS can help design a connectivity solution built for your environment — today's network and tomorrow's. Talk to an INS connectivity expert to get started.

FAQs

What are Semtech AirLink® routers used for in utility applications?

Semtech AirLink® routers provide cellular connectivity for remote and field-based utility applications, including temperature monitoring, pressure monitoring, valve control, and remote site management — particularly in harsh or hard-to-access environments.

Why is low power consumption important for utility cellular routers?

Many utility field sites run on solar power with a fixed power budget. Routers with low power draw can operate reliably on solar power without requiring oversized power infrastructure, making them well-suited to remote, off-grid deployments.

What is 5G RedCap, and why does it matter for utilities?

5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) is a 5G technology tier designed for IoT and industrial applications that don't require the full performance — or power draw — of standard 5G. It allows utilities to continue using existing 4G networks today while transitioning to 5G over time, without needing to replace hardware.

How does INS test new connectivity technology before full deployment?

INS partners with Semtech to introduce new devices to select customers first, gathering real-world feedback before a broader rollout. This ensures new technology is field-proven before it's deployed at scale.

How long have INS and Semtech worked together?

INS and Semtech have been strategic partners for over two decades, with a shared focus on serving the utility market and other industrial applications requiring dependable, ruggedized connectivity.

About the Author

Taylor McGaughey, Territory Account Manager

As a Territory Account Manager at INS, Taylor McGaughey supports utility and industrial customers across the DFW, East Texas, and Northern Louisiana markets. Before joining INS, he spent seven years as Southeast Regional Sales Manager at Amphenol TPC Wire & Cable. Taylor holds a B.S. in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University, with a focus on IoT, 5G, and industrial network security — helping customers build connectivity solutions they can depend on in the field.