The installation of 4G communications hubs in the smart neter network designed, built and operated by the Data Communications Company (DCC) is aimed at maintaining secure and stable connectivity to ensure the infrastructure evolves over time as technology does. The network is expected to grow as more meters are connected with current projections at over 100 million devices in 33 million premises.
To upgrade the smart meter network, the DCC has collaborated with Vodafone, Toshiab, Accenture, CGI and Deloitte with a cost-efficient 4G communications hub solution so homes and small businesses continue to benefit from smart metering as 2G and 3G networks are sunsetted.
The first 4G communications hubs are being installed from December 2024 to February 2025, with mass roll-out from summer 2025. One of the first installations took place in Biddulph, Staffordshire.
“Smart meters are a crucial component in the work to deliver Net Zero targets in Great Britain. They allow households to take control of their own energy usage and carbon footprint and help suppliers to balance demand across our national energy infrastructure,” said Phil Gilbert, Director of Net Zero Delivery at E.ON. “As a responsible energy supplier, we continually work to maintain our smart meter fleet and ensure they operate as expected. Therefore, we are delighted to be one of the first suppliers to be piloting the installation of these new 4G Communications Hubs.”
“At DCC we are continuously looking to ensure our technology is fit for the future, and it’s fantastic that DCC’s customers, energy suppliers, have started to successfully install the new 4G Communications Hub in consumers’ homes,” added Gav Parrott, Director of Products and Networks at DCC. “To streamline and simplify the installation process, a Dual Band Communications Hub solution has been developed for use in all premises, extending the reach of the Home Area Network and delivering a simplified installation process for energy suppliers, compared to the current solution which offers both a Single and Dual Band Communications Hub.”
This upgrade will ensure that energy consumers benefit from continued smart metering services in their home, allowing them to manage energy usage, benefit from flexible and time of use tariffs, and easily and quickly switch supplier.
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