Sweden-based LoRaWAN network operator Netmore Group is working with the UK arm of Spanish tower company Cellnex to install LoRaWAN gateways on around 200 street poles for the delivery of low-power wide-area IoT network (LPWAN) coverage. Netmore Group is bolstering its IoT network coverage in the UK to support rollout of LoRaWAN-based smart meters for regional water utilities in the country. It has a major deal with Yorkshire Water to exchange 1.3 million water meters in one of Europe’s largest LoRaWAN water metering projects.
Cellnex offers shared tower infrastructure for wireless networks. LoRaWAN operator Netmore Group explored various street infrastructure options with Cellnex UK before settling initially on 12 so-called ‘streetworks monopole’ sites, as dedicated street poles for wireless networks, on the grounds they are “more cost-effective than larger tower sites… [and] also able to connect to a high volume of water meters”. The companies have since agreed to install LoRaWAN gateways on an additional 200 sites.
Netmore Group, with infrastructure operations across Europe and the US, and a burgeoning LoRaWAN footprint in Asia Pacific, won a tender in September with Yorkshire Water to swap-out water meters across the Yorkshire region over a five year period. It extends an existing partnership between the firms, which dates back to 2022 and remains in-process, to deliver LoRaWAN-based network services and smart meters for up to 360,000 households in the region. Netmore has similar deals with “several large water utilities” in the UK, a statement said.
Yorkshire Water reckons IoT-connected smart meters have so far seen leakage in the region reduce by 500,000 litres. Its deal with Netmore Group also covers “data services” for smart meters up to 2045. Netmore Group will lead a roster of suppliers to cover the delivery, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of the new meters. Morrison Water Services, under contract with Netmore Group, will plan, schedule and work with household and non-household customers to exchange meters. Itron and Diehl Metering will supply meter devices.
The meter project is subject to final approval, due in December, from the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), responsible for economic regulation of the privatised water and sewerage industry in England and Wales. Deployment is expected to begin in South Yorkshire in 2025, in line with Yorkshire Water’s water resources management plan (WRMP), as set out by UK water companies every five years to drive efficiency improvements, and also with the eighth Asset Management Plan (AMP) period for water companies in England and Wales.
Dominic Murphy, director of international network delivery, said: “Cellnex UK’s innovative method of repurposing street fixtures for network deployment and densification brings substantial value to Netmore as we continually seek ways to lower network delivery costs while maintaining top-tier connectivity services for our customers. The cost efficiencies provided by Cellnex UK directly enhance the speed and scale at which we can integrate devices, such as smart water meters, into our network. We are excited to extend our partnership in this region and beyond.”
Paul Stonadge, commercial director at Cellnex UK, said: “By leveraging our approach to sustainable asset-sharing, we are not only facilitating the rollout of Netmore’s cutting-edge technology, but we are also able to ensure efficient and targeted wireless coverage and capacity for its customers. Cellnex UK’s extensive infrastructure portfolio means we can provide connectivity exactly where it’s needed, whilst also providing a cost-effective solution that allows Netmore to connect to a high volume of water meters.”