Will use “long range radio” in partnership with Arqiva and Detica
BT has said that it will bid for smart metering contracts in the UK when the Government opens up bids in the autumn. It has partnered with broadcast network operator Arqiva and equipment provider Sensus to put together a system that will use Arqiva’s licensed radio spectrum, along with Sensus’ long range radio technology, called FlexNet.
Although the mobile operators are also sizing up the smart meter opportunity, BT says long range radio is a better technical solution than mobile because “Unlike mobile, it can provide truly nationwide coverage and dependable reception indoors.”
“The fact it operates on dedicated licensed spectrum is also important as it is ideal in ensuring the security of supply and protection of consumer data while meeting the needs of the Energy Industry,” a BT statement said. BT said it has taken 18 months sizing up the technical options.
The UK Government’s proposed smart metering initiative is due to cover 28 million homes and small business properties by 2020 or sooner. The Government will publish a prospectus that will provide details about the project and the possible commercial opportunities. The partners will review this document and will then formally launch their proposal in September, BT said.
Olivia Garfield, BT Group Strategy Director, said: “Smart meters will use telecommunications to deliver important environmental benefits and so BT is determined to be at the heart of the project. It is vital that any solution is designed for ubiquitous coverage of homes and is thoroughly secure and resilient. We believe that long range radio is the only technology to offer nationwide coverage and we will release more detail in a series of events in September.”