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November 29, 2013

Ericsson Teams with SP AusNet on 3G Smart Meter Solution

Ericsson (News - Alert) is making quite a name for itself across the globe as a company specializing in machine-to-machine (M2M) technology. The company recently announced that it is also quite proficient when it comes to operating on the smart grid. Ericsson demonstrated that proficiency thanks to its partnership with SP AusNet. SP AusNet has selected Ericsson to develop and implement a 3G network-enabled solution that will support the company’s smart meter program.

Ericsson has said it will put together the network that will allow users to communicate to a smart meter over an existing public mobile network. This means that previous generation smart meters don’t need to be adapted or changed. The technology will change with them instead. SP AusNet says that the final version of the solution will allow the company to expand its reach across Australia. The company believes that another 108,000 smart meters in urban and rural areas around the country will be on the network that Ericsson puts forth.

Håkan Eriksson, head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand talked about what the partnership means for both companies in a recent release. "This Australian smart grid solution is a first in combining an existing 3G network, a 3G-enabled smart meter module, a purpose-built meter management system and the systems integration required to pull it all together. The utilization of secure public wireless networks to support smart grids is significant as it allows utilities to focus on delivering energy to homes and businesses by minimizing the task of managing a complex communications network." Ericcson said.

The best news, for smart meter providers around the world, is that Ericsson’s solution can be applied elsewhere. Because it is already relying on existing networks, it won’t be hard to recreate. That means that Australia is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reach more smart meters and doing it quickly and cost effectively.




Edited by Cassandra Tucker
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