Spain’s Telefonica lands £1.5 billion smart meter contract in the UK

Telefónica UK, which operates using the O2 brand, today announced that it has been selected as the preferred communications service provider for two out of three lots in the UK’s smart meter tender.

The Smart Meter Implementation Programme is a major national infrastructure project that will involve the roll out of 53 million gas and electricity meters across the UK by 2020, helping consumers to better understand and control their energy usage. The deal to provide the communications services across the Central and Southern regions is worth £1.5 billion over 15 years and is subject to contracts being agreed.

Commenting on the news in a press release, David Plumb, Digital & New Business Director of Telefónica UK, said: “Telefónica is extremely proud to have been selected by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as a preferred bidder for the UK Smart Meter Implementation programme. It’s a huge endorsement of cellular as the right communications technology and of our vision for smart meters to be the foundation of a smarter energy future for the UK.”

Telefónica’s proposed communications solution is based on its cellular network in the UK which is ready to support the requirement of smart meters. This will be backed up by the use of mesh technology to connect meters in areas without cellular coverage.

O2 is the commercial brand of Telefónica UK Limited and is a leading digital communications company. With over 23 million customers, O2 runs 2G and 3G networks with 4G coming this summer. As well as operating O2 Wifi and owning half of Tesco Mobile, O2 has over 450 retail stores and sponsors The O2, O2 Academy venues and the England rugby team.

About the Author

The Corner
The Corner has a team of on-the-ground reporters in capital cities ranging from New York to Beijing. Their stories are edited by the teams at the Spanish magazine Consejeros (for members of companies’ boards of directors) and at the stock market news site Consenso Del Mercado (market consensus). They have worked in economics and communication for over 25 years.

Be the first to comment on "Spain’s Telefonica lands £1.5 billion smart meter contract in the UK"

Leave a comment