UK firms slug it out for smart grid contracts

UK telcos are set to slug it out for fat contracts to provide the communications segment for forthcoming smart grid deployments.

 

With contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, BT, Vodafone and Telefónica are likely to go head-to-head for the chance to deploy wireless networks to support smart meter connectivity, Financial Times reports [1]. 

A BT-led consortium has pitched long-range, low-frequency radio that it says will work better than conventional mobile in penetrating cellars and other places where meters are located.

 

BT proposes creating a dedicated network for the smart meter program, in which the government aims to connect 28 million homes to the grid by 2020 at the latest.

 

It has partnered with Arqiva and Detica to develop a secure radio link for the service, using Arqiva’s spectrum and Detica’s infrastructure security services, and will work closely with smart meter manufacturer Sensus.

 

Vodafone’s UK business already has a multi­million-pound smart meter deal with Centrica, owner of British Gas, FT said.

 

O2, Telefónica’s UK subsidiary, is also said to be interested in pitching for smart meter business.