DCC secures long-term connectivity for Britain’s smart meter network

• Renewed agreements with Virgin Media O2 and Arqiva will provide continuity while industry transitions to the next generation of smart meter connectivity.

• Long-term agreements through 2033 and 2037 will give the energy industry greater certainty as Britain’s smart meter network continues to modernise, while keeping millions of homes and businesses connected.

 The agreement with Virgin Media O2 covers communications services across the Central and South regions through 2033, while the agreement with Arqiva covers Long Range Radio connectivity in the North through 2037.

For energy suppliers and other DCC customers, the agreements provide greater certainty to plan for the move to next-generation smart meter connectivity while maintaining the services consumers rely on today.

Penny Brown, Chief Operating Officer of DCC, said: “Running national infrastructure means taking a long-term view. These extensions give our customers greater certainty while ensuring we can maintain the reliable connectivity consumers depend on as the network evolves.

“Modernisation cannot happen overnight. By securing these services for the years ahead, we can protect continuity today while creating the flexibility to introduce new technologies and build a more modern network for the future.”

The extensions form part of DCC’s wider modernisation of Britain’s smart meter network. Almost four million smart meters are already connected using 4G technology as DCC moves beyond legacy connectivity and builds a more resilient, future-ready network.