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Mobile operator Vodafone has been awarded a second contract as part of its work with the Data Communications Company (DCC), which is working to upgrade existing Smart Meters in UK homes with Toshiba’s new 4G Communication Hub (details). But under the new deal they’ll also be providing some crucial fixed line data connectivity too.
Just to recap. The ongoing efforts to switch off older 2G and 3G based mobile networks across the UK will ultimately cause problems for the many Smart Meters installed across the rest of England and Wales, which utilise the same technology via O2 (Scotland and the North of England use a different LRR wireless system). Due to this, Vodafone has already been contracted to help upgrade millions of meters to a new 4G connection.
DCC currently plan to begin rolling out the new 4G capable Hubs as standard from summer 2025 (they’re currently still in a live field trial). “Given that 2G/3G networks will be phased out by 2033, that gives us and our partners eight years to ensure connection continuity for around 24 million smart meters – a huge challenge, but one we are confident we will achieve,” said DCC earlier this year.
As part of that upgrade programme, Vodafone has now secured a second contract. This will see the operator provide fixed connectivity between energy suppliers and DCC’s related Data Service Platform (DSP) — the secure system at the heart of the smart meter network (this receives data from the meters and enables energy companies to access that information as needed).
Chris Lovatt, DCC Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Smart metering is central to Britain’s energy transition to net zero and the DSP is fundamental to the smart system. As part of the transition, it is crucial that we drive the best possible outcomes for our customers and energy consumers. The enhanced design and contracts delivered by this new DSP platform will enable DCC to deliver better value for money, while driving flexibility, stability and security.”
Vodafone joins a collaborative effort that includes IBM, who will build a new cloud-based DSP platform, and CGI, the system integrator and incumbent DSP provider. As a side note, some 20 million UK homes and small businesses have now received a Smart Meter.