SmartReach comprises three trusted, world-class, British companies
BT, Arqiva and BAE Systems Detica bring unparalleled expertise in delivering national communications solutions, secure systems, data services and running Critical National Infrastructure.
We are committed to helping protect the environment and to making a meaningful contribution to the development of a thriving low–carbon economy. SmartReach can deliver today, but we also have the experience to advise on future developments, and are excited by the opportunity to play a leading role in a programme which, through the eventual development of a smart grid, will enable the proactive management of energy distribution networks, and on which secure and affordable energy will depend.
Connectivity – reaching consumers wherever they are
We believe that connectivity based on long range radio offers the most cost effective, secure and efficient data communications solution for the long term. Our solution is dedicated to energy, secure by design and resilient enough to deal with challenging and changing environments.
Installation – the importance of a ‘right first time’ approach
Ease of installation is essential to the overall success of the customer experience as well as the affordability of the initiative. The SmartReach ethos is built on ‘right first time, every time’ and benefits from decades of experience in designing and delivering compelling consumer offerings to domestic and business markets.
Consumer confidence – at the heart of the programme
To be successful the smart metering programme needs to win the hearts and minds of consumers. We have extensive experience in product and service design, deployment and consumer engagement. This heritage informs all of our key decisions and ensures that the consumer experience is at the forefront of SmartReach design principles.
Quality and long – term reliability
The SmartReach solution works from basement to tower block, in winter and summer. Our technology choices have focused on maximising nationwide connectivity and remote management, and hence minimising the need for engineering re—visits. We aim to ensure that all software and firmware updates can be applied without costly and intrusive visits to consumer homes. We are confident in the long-term reliability of our solution and have designed it to support meters for the typical 15 year meter life. There will be no need for an expensive technology refresh unless the energy industry wants one.
Security – secure by design
It is imperative that smart metering is secure, and it is important that we instill consumer confidence in data security and privacy right from the start.
The fact that security is a very real issue is confirmed by recent press from other countries. Alleged cyber intrusions detected in some US grids, the “Stuxnet” worm infecting thousands of computers in the energy industry in Iran, privacy concerns with the Dutch smart metering programme, and recent statements in the UK National Security Strategy demonstrate what can happen, and avoiding such problems in Great Britain is paramount.
Open access for all market participants
Our solution will support access from all market participants – including energy retailers, networks businesses, delivery and maintenance organisations – on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis.
Future – the ‘big picture’ solution
Smart metering will enable energy retailers to engage with their customer in new ways and deliver innovative services. Furthermore, the inherent scalability of the SmartReach solution paves the way for smart grids and smart water metering in the future at low incremental cost. This is therefore a “future proof” solution that supports Government policy and addresses the big picture of the nation’s energy security. Simply put, we believe we offer the best solution for today and tomorrow.
SmartReach video
Click on the video image below to get a brief introduction to the SmartReach Consortium. For more information see the video presentation on the About page
Partners
Discover more about the SmartReach partners
BT
Arqiva
Detica
Contact us
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