CTIA Certification and Ericsson are collaborating on an IoT device certification programme for utilities.

The Smart Connected Infrastructure certification programme addresses the increasing demand for IoT deployments for utilities and creates a set of standards to ensure the safety and reliability of these devices.

“The new Smart Connected Infrastructure certification programme will offer demonstrated security and performance best practices that give utilities the starting place to evaluate network compatibility and cyber-security protections,” said Michelle James, CTIA vice president. “We greatly appreciate Ericsson’s expertise in helping develop this programme to target utilities’ needs and serving as the programme’s initial test lab. This programme is a product of long-term industry collaboration between technology leaders and utility stakeholders to provide the solid baseline we need for connected IoT deployments on cellular networks.”

Building on CTIA Certification’s recently introduced IoT Network Certified programme, the Smart Connected Infrastructure programme is being developed specifically for power grids, water systems and the millions of smart meters that help make towns and communities more efficient and sustainable.

The programme lets manufacturers whose designs incorporate a pre-certified wireless module certify their IoT device quickly and cost-effectively using a process that takes advantage of the rigorous testing and certification already performed on the module.

“CTIA already has a proven device certification programme that can test the interoperability, safety and security of IoT devices,” said Tom Sawanobori, chief technology officer at CTIA. “The introduction of a programme focused on IoT devices being deployed for utility applications is a natural extension and shows the increasing number of use cases that can benefit from industry baseline standards.”

Ericsson vice president Elisiario Cunha Neto added: “Together with CTIA, we are building a programme based on leading voluntary standards that drives compatibility, safety and reliability of IoT devices when it comes to performance and cyber security of devices deployed in mission critical networks.”

With new US federal government funding for the development of smart cities and modernisation of aging power grid infrastructure across the country, many communities are looking for best practices and how to deploy connected infrastructure safely and efficiently.