Telefónica O2 UK has signed its first ‘smart metering’ agreement, a multi-million pound three-year contract with G4S Utility Services.
O2 will provide around 200,000 SIM cards and other machine-to-machine technology to connect smart meters to the G4S data centre. Information will be sent via text message to and from G4S.
Ben Dowd, Business Director at Telefonica O2 UK, said “We believe there are real opportunities to use our network to accelerate the roll out of smart meters by helping utilities companies and other suppliers to deploy and manage the devices in a quicker and more cost effective way. We’re delighted to announce the substantial deal with G4S, and are confident this partnership will create further new revenue opportunities for both parties. G4S is a major player in the smart metering market and this deal builds on our expertise of delivering streamlined communications on a global scale. We’re proud to be their provider of choice.”
G4S recently signed a three-year contract with British Gas Business to deliver end-to-end smart gas and electricity metering services in Wales, the Midlands and the South of England.
| Last year, telecoms consultant Ross Catley joined us to explain the background to smart meters, the benefits for consumers, the advantages for utility companies and the opportunities for mobile network operators. Click here to listen to the podcast - or read a transcript of the conversation in our ‘Opinion’ section. |