Utility access to wireless spectrum for critical infrastructure will make spectrum a major factor in the debate over smart grid communications networks thanks to the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) recent filing with the Department of Energy (DOE). Keep in mind that spectrum is just one component for ensuring a reliable, secure, and redundant communications network. Utilities need to consider the rural vs. urban characteristics of their operating regions in addition to the expected applications that will run over different portions of their networks. Most experts are envisioning two networks – one focused on communications from the "aggregation point"on the pole, to the meter, and then to the home. The other will be focused on the transformer, to the substation, to the utility control center. The "home" centered network will most likely require prime spectrum in the 900 MHz and below range which offers superb propagation. However, less bandwidth might be required as simple billing information and demand response signals are passed between the meter and the home. The "substation" network, on the other hand, will have more flexibility in spectrum options but require more contiguous "chunks" of spectrum to enable bandwidth intensive applications and for data to be passed reliably and securely. For both networks, however, licensed spectrum that minimizes interference with other wireless services will take on increasing importance. Whether these are provided by commercial providers or built by the utilities for their own private use remains to be seen. And as we have learned from the wireless telecom world, you can never have enough bandwidth!