Telecom Italia (TIM) is providing its mobile network to Enel so that the electricity supplier can roll out a series of smart meters.
Electricity consumption data will be transmitted over the Italian telco’s network via SIM cards that will be fitted into the new meters.
Enel has to apply to the Italian Ministry for Economic Development to obtain an MVNO licence but said it did not intend to offer telecoms services. It will own the new SIM cards and directly handle their installation.
The operator and energy company said they had been working together “to develop means of using telecoms to deliver advanced services” but did not expand further.
TIM Chief Executive Marco Patuano [pictured] said: “We are very pleased to work with Enel on this major technology and service evolution. This agreement further confirms that the major players recognise the quality and reliability of our networks, as well as of our advanced platforms in support of innovative digital development solutions for Italy in the public utilities and smart energy fields.”
Francesco Starace, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Enel, added: “The transmission of billions of bytes of data to Enel’s central system each year makes our distribution network one of the most advanced in the world. This agreement, which is not intended to bring the Enel Group into the [telecommunications] business, is aimed at improving the internal management of the consumption data of our customers with more innovative and efficient systems.”
At Mobile World Congress in March, Telekom Austria Group said it was introducing Europe’s first LTE-based smart meters.