Abstract: Techniques and devices for communicating with a utility node device through a utility node communication device and utilizing resources of a cellular device are described herein. The utility node communication device may connect to and/or release the cellular device (e.g., cellular telephone) providing an enclosure for the cellular device. The utility node communication device may communicate with the utility node device (e.g., a smart utility meter) and utilize a cellular radio of the cellular device to communicate with a head end device of a utility. The utility node communication device may also utilize a processor, memory, display, or operating system of the cellular device.