Vodafone and Data Communications Company (DCC) are working together on using 4G to upgrade Britain’s smart meter system.

This upgrade should enhance the connectivity of millions of homes and small businesses and help the country move towards its net zero targets, by letting homes cut their energy usage and the grid to make the most of renewable energy generation.

Vodafone has signed a services agreement to provide 4G connectivity for Britain’s smart meter network. DCC manages Britain’s national smart meter network, already securely connecting smart meters in more than half of British homes to energy suppliers and operators.

DCC has delivered and operates a secure wireless data network connecting energy smart meters in homes and small businesses across Britain, linking them with energy suppliers, network operators and authorised third parties.

DCC’s secure network serves as national infrastructure, operating to the security standards, as endorsed by the National Cyber Security Centre. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capita, DCC operates under licence. It is funded by, and serves, the energy industry.

The partnership between Vodafone and DCC is an agreement for up to 15 years to build and operate 4G managed IoT connectivity for Britain’s smart meter network, which already securely connects more than half of homes to energy suppliers and operators and is managed and run by DCC.

The IoT connectivity will use Vodafone’s 4G network. With 4G already reaching more than 99% of the UK population, the ambition of the partnership is for more homes and small businesses to be able to switch to a smart meter. They can then manage their energy usage better and reduce their bills, while playing their part in reducing the country’s overall energy consumption.

According to the Office of National Statistics, households are a big emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for 26% of total emissions in the UK. Smart meters are a key tool for helping customers reduce their overall consumption or move it away from times of peak demand. The smart meter network today prevents the release of one million tonnes of carbon, the equivalent to planting a forest the size of Coventry every year. It could mean the UK needing one less nuclear power reactor in future.

“This announcement underlines our commitment to helping the UK decarbonise,” said Nick Gliddon, business director at Vodafone. “As a global leader in IoT, and with extensive experience in delivering reliable connectivity to the utilities industry in the UK, this agreement leverages the strengths of Vodafone. By helping DCC deliver on its strategy, we’re supporting the development, management and optimisation of energy assets and so helping the UK work towards its net zero targets.” 

Angus Flett, DCC CEO, added: “The smart meter network is a key part of the nation’s journey to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Even though there is still a long life and more capacity in the technology we are using today, we need to continuously look towards how our technology is fit for the future. 4G is a natural next step for our connectivity and is just one of a number of technical improvements DCC is developing. This partnership with Vodafone is an important part of continuing DCC’s mission to connect Britain so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.”

Vodafone’s technology will provide a wide area network covering a large geographic area. This will connect DCC’s servers with its LTE communication hubs that are in Britain’s homes, which in turn connect to gas and electricity smart meters. Vodafone will provide the 4G LTE network, with connectivity management delivered by its IoT platform, supported by IT and business consulting services firm CGI, which will be responsible for software development.

“CGI is delighted to work with both Vodafone and DCC to develop the data collection and networks required to optimise the deployment of smart meters across Great Britain,” said Mark Aston, senior vice president at CGI. “With a sustainable future at the forefront of the global agenda, empowering consumers with accurate information on usage has never been more important.”