Last week, Data Communications Company (DCC) reported to Smart Energy International that on March 1^st, the 30millionth smart meter was connected to Britain’s national smart meter network. This means that roughly 70% of homes in Britain are now connected to the DCC meter network.

Beyond just connecting these meters, DCC plans on establishing dual band communication hubs, to better communicate with meters within buildings with thick walls (25% of British homes). This, coupled with the company’s plans to add 15 million first-generation smart meters to the network, will boost not only the number of meters, but their capabilities, too.

One of the leading challenges with meter networks has to do with upgrading infrastructure. As of October last year, millions of meters had to be switched off as providers upgraded from 2G and 3G mobile networks across England, Wales, and Scotland. (NewScientist). Though it seems that it on DCC’s behalf, it wasn’t the meters that needed switching, but the communications hub needed changing.

When 4G sunsets, who will bear the burden of replacing and recouping costs on soon-to-be defunct hardware that spans the UK? While the jury is still out on what future rollouts might entail, one thing for certain is that the Britain’s meter network is more robust than ever.