Sensus, a provider of intelligent solutions for gas, water and electric utilities, and Arqiva, a U.K.-based communications infrastructure and services company, have formed a partnership that will enable Arqiva to implement a long range radio-based communications platform for the U.K.’s utility companies. Using the Sensus FlexNet and SmartPoint technologies for smart metering, telemetry and control of the utility assets, Arqiva will deploy a communications platform as part of the U.K.’s rollout of smart meters to all homes and businesses.
“The blend of Sensus’ smart metering experience in the North American market and Arqiva’s experience with critical network infrastructure in the U.K. represents an exciting proposition for the U.K.’s smart metering initiative,” said Bill Yeates, executive vice president, Conservation Solutions, at Sensus. “Sensus is already playing a key role in the largest modernization of utility networks in the USA and Canada, and we’re excited by the prospect of helping the U.K. to achieve its energy modernization ambitions.”
The Sensus FlexNet smart grid communications system and SmartPoint technologies are being used by 200 electric, water and gas utility customers in North America that, collectively, have already deployed more than four million smart meters.
“With the government’s commitment to put smart meters in all homes by 2020, we have the opportunity to make the U.K. one of the most advanced and efficient consumers of energy in the world,” said John Cronin, managing director, Arqiva Wireless Access. “For what will become a critical piece of national infrastructure, we must make sure that we set the bar high with the proposed central communications network. This means not only universal coverage but resilience, security and availability--something that long range radio has proven it can deliver through the U.K.’s broadcast network.”
The solution being developed by Arqiva, which is based on long range radio technology, will operate in available UHF spectrum and builds on the company’s experience in operating the U.K.’s terrestrial TV and radio broadcast network.
Source: Sensus
