Telefónica has been selected by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Control as the preferred communications service provider for two out of three lots in the UK’s smart meter tender, subject to contracts being agreed.

Telefonica’s proposed communications solution is based on its existing cellular network in the UK, supported by Connode’s IPv6 based wireless mesh solution which will connect meters in areas without cellular coverage.
The Smart Meter Implementation Programme is a major national infrastructure project that will involve the roll out of 53m gas and electricity meters across the UK by 2020, helping consumers to better understand and control their energy usage.

Connode will supply a software platform, together with integration and support services. A narrowband mesh software client will run in the residential Communications Hub as a complement to the cellular network. Connode server software will be integrated in Telefónica’s Smart M2M architecture.
-Telefónica’s cellular network supported by Connode’s mesh technology will provide a highly flexible and cost-effective total communications solution, that will be simple and cost-effective to deploy and operate. Connode is one of the very few suppliers globally that has the experience and leading-edge technology to support smart meter deployment in areas where there is no cellular coverage. says Anthony Shaw, Smart Metering UK Director, Telefónica UK.

Connode 4 is a break-through, industry-first software platform for Machine to Machine Communications, featuring a true IPv6-based SW architecture. It is based on open standards for M2M applications in general and smart energy deployments in particular. Since Connode 4 is based on IP it is also portable over different communication media besides 802.15.4g (narrowband RF), such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi, giving users multiple options as business requirements grows.

Connode 4 provides seamless IP-based interoperability and global standardisation to a utility sector that has been characterised by legacy industry-specific protocols and lack of true interoperability.