Arqiva (News - Alert), a provider of communications and media services, and Sensus, a utility infrastructure company, announced that meter manufacturers EDMI, EM-Lite, Itron, OnStream and Secure Meters have agreed to integrate the Sensus FlexNet long-range radio communications solution into their smart meter product portfolio for smart metering and smart grid.

This is a significant development for Arqiva and Sensus as these manufacturers supply the majority of meters to the British energy market.

“Arqiva and Sensus are committed to ensuring open access to the FlexNet system for meter manufacturers and we are delighted that these leading companies have committed to working with us,” said David Green, Smart Metering program director at SmartReach consortium member Arqiva, in a statement. “This announcement ensures Britain has the opportunity to deploy a world leading utility grade smart metering and smart grid solution.” 

The participation of these leading manufacturers acknowledges challenges involved in deploying smart meters to domestic and non-domestic customers by 2019. The inclusion of the FlexNet solution in their products proves the suitability of the solution for the British Smart Meter and Smart Grid programs, said the company officials.

“We are delighted to be working with these leading manufacturers, which demonstrates growing support for the principles of a dedicated, utility communications network capable of delivering universal connectivity,” said Adrian Flewitt, technical director of Sensus UK. “This ensures energy suppliers have a choice of network solutions as they undertake trials and deployments.”

Recently, the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) announced its reseller agreement with Sensus to offer to its members Sensus’ FlexNet advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system, smart meters, distribution automation and demand response solutions. The deal with Sensus is in response to requests from its co-op members for a wireless AMI solution.

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