LONDON, United Kingdom –  Arqiva, the communications and media services company, and Sensus, a leading utility infrastructure company, have announced that major meter manufacturers EDMI, EM-Lite, Itron, OnStream and Secure Meters have agreed to integrate into their smart meter product portfolio the Sensus FlexNetTM long-range radio communications solution for smart metering and smart grid.

These manufacturers between them supply the majority of meters to the British energy market and their involvement acknowledges the real challenges involved in deploying smart meters to domestic and non-domestic customers by 2019. The inclusion of the FlexNet solution in their products provides recognition of its suitability for the British Smart Meter and Smart Grid programmes.

David Green, Smart Metering Programme Director at SmartReach consortium member Arqiva said “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. This announcement ensures Britain has the opportunity to deploy a world leading utility grade smart metering and smart grid solution.”

Adrian Flewitt, Technical Director of Sensus UK said: “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.  This ensures energy suppliers have a choice of network solutions as they undertake trials and deployments.”