Broadband operators are facing new levels of power infrastructure demands. As networks expand to support higher reliability expectations and increasing uptime needs, standby power strategies are becoming more critical to overall network resiliency.
Across outside plant (OSP) networks, hubs and headends, operators need to evaluate a range of backup power technologies and architectures to support evolving operational, environmental and business objectives. Various energy storage solutions offer advantages and tradeoffs related to footprint, lifecycle performance, maintenance practices, deployment environments, safety considerations and total cost of ownership (TCO).
At the same time, the rapid evolution of standby power technologies has introduced greater complexity in deployment practices, monitoring capabilities, thermal management, fire protection, code compliance, maintenance procedures and integration with existing network powering architectures.
The industry continues to recognize the need for consistent, broadband-focused operational guidance that supports informed decision-making while enabling flexibility across deployment models and technology approaches.
The Standards-Based Solution
A recently launched initiative, SCTE Operational Practice on Lithium Battery Systems for Broadband Network Standby Power, helps address this need. The initiative is designed to provide practical, operator-oriented guidance for the deployment, integration, maintenance and replacement of lithium battery systems across broadband environments, while also supporting broader industry conversations about standby power modernization and operational best practices.
The effort addresses critical operational considerations such as thermal management, battery management systems (BMSs), telemetry and monitoring, commissioning practices, code compliance, emergency response planning and end-of-life procedures. It also creates a risk-informed framework for fire protection and safety that aligns with existing industry codes and standards.
Most importantly, the project creates a shared technical foundation between operators and vendors. For network engineering leaders, it establishes clearer deployment expectations and operational consistency. For product managers, energy leaders and equipment vendors, it provides a pathway to align product innovation with real-world operator needs while supporting interoperability across evolving network power strategies.
Why Participation Matters
Standards are most valuable when they reflect operational realities from across the ecosystem. This initiative is an opportunity for operators and vendors to collaboratively shape the future of broadband standby power.
For operators and their field teams, participation helps ensure that the resulting guidance reflects real deployment challenges, operational priorities and diverse network environments. For vendors, engagement helps support interoperable, deployment-ready solutions that align with evolving operator requirements and industry expectations.
The future of broadband resiliency won’t be defined by any single technology, but rather by the standards and operational practices that enable the industry to deploy solutions safely, consistently and at scale.
Get involved and help shape the next generation of broadband power infrastructure.