2 min
23.03.2026
The Data Communications Company (DCC) has confirmed the first successful installations of new Virtual Wide Area Network (VWAN) technology in homes across Great Britain. This is an important step in helping more households and small businesses connect to the national smart metering network.
Britain’s smart meter network continues to grow, with over 22 million premises now connected. To date, smart meters have connected using cellular or radio technology, with 4G communication hubs launched last year. These have delivered strong operational performance and improved the installation experience for our customers.
VWAN provides an additional, secure way for homes to connect to the smart meter network by using a household’s existing broadband connection. The technology meets the same rigorous security standards as the rest of the smart metering system, ensuring consumer data remains fully protected. It will not affect broadband speed or usage and will only be installed with a household’s consent.
By enabling more homes to connect, VWAN will help ensure more consumers enjoy the benefits of smart meters, including greater control of their energy use and access to the most appropriate tariffs.
VWAN has been developed by the Data Communications Company in close collaboration with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Britain’s smart metering infrastructure and expanding connectivity to more communities.
DCC’s CEO Chris Lovatt said:
“Millions of households already benefit from smart meters, and the vast majority connect with ease. VWAN helps us bring those same benefits to homes that are harder to reach due to geography, building materials or meter location. It gives our customers more secure, value‑for‑money ways to help homes and small businesses get connected and stay connected. “These first installations in consumers’ homes mark an important milestone in our efforts to enhance and upgrade the network, ensuring this unique national asset can continue to power a smarter, cleaner and fairer energy system.”
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