First smart meter certified for private LTE with Anterix 900MHz spectrum in US

EASYMETERING has reported the US Federal Communications Commission approving its smart meter for use on Private LTE with the Anterix 900MHz spectrum.

This is the first smart meter so certified and opens the way for potential deployment on private wireless networks throughout the mainland US, as well as in Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

EASYMETERING’s smart network interface card (NIC) for the Smart Meter I-210+c utilising the radio chipset ME910G1-WW is a multi-interface wireless technology that is aimed to enhance advanced electronic power meters to become a new generation of grid devices supporting AMI 2.0 and the increasing bandwidth requirements for a more efficient, reliable, and secure energy distribution system.

The technology can operate on multiple LTE frequency bands, i.e. 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 25, 26, 66, and offers simultaneous operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless interfaces within the same device.

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The smart NIC wireless technology supports Anterix’s 900 MHz spectrum to leverage the full benefits of private LTE networks, including enhanced connectivity and reliability for critical utility communications.

“This FCC approval marks a significant milestone not only for EASYMETERING but for the entire utility industry,” asserts Byron Rojas, CEO.

“We are paving the way for utilities to adopt next-generation smart meters that promise to transform energy distribution and management.”

Anterix is the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900MHz band (896-901/935-940MHz) throughout the United States – a spectrum that has been allocated internationally primarily to amateur radio and for industrial, scientific and medical equipment uses.

It also is being used increasingly for critical infrastructure and enterprise applications, with Anterix opening the way in the US for private LTE solutions for utilities and others such as smart cities and communities – and potentially a ‘collective’ of interconnections of such networks.

In addition to the new smart meter, EASYMETERING is offering a private LTE evaluation kit for utilities to test and explore the potential of private LTE in their operations.

Stephen Ryan, vice president of Ecosystem and Partnerships at Anterix, says the FCC’s approval of new devices supporting private wireless broadband highlights the potential of the 900MHz spectrum for grid modernisation efforts.

Said Ryan, “We are thankful to EASYMETERING for recognising the value of private wireless networks in offering scale and reliability for next-generation meters.”