In a move set to enhance network connectivity for the water utility sector, Netmore Group, a global operator of LoRaWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) systems, has announced a partnership with Cellnex UK to expand coverage by installing LoRaWAN gateways on Cellnex UK’s streetworks monopole infrastructure. The collaboration, initiated with a trial on 20 Cellnex streetworks sites, will now extend to 200 additional sites across the UK.
This expanded network rollout is intended to support Netmore’s Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) as part of its broader mission to upgrade water metering systems for regional utilities under the UK’s AMP8 regulatory framework. Netmore has been appointed by Yorkshire Water to replace 1.3 million water meters, marking one of the largest LoRaWAN metering projects in Europe.
Dominic Murphy, Netmore Group’s Director of International Network Delivery, commented on the significance of the partnership. “Cellnex UK’s innovative approach to repurposing existing street fixtures for network deployment allows us to rapidly expand connectivity while reducing costs. These efficiencies are essential as we work to integrate smart water meters across the region, delivering reliable and cost-effective services for our customers,” said Murphy.
Asset-Sharing Model Brings Sustainability to Network Expansion
Central to this collaboration is Cellnex UK’s sustainable asset-sharing model, which supports co-locating equipment on existing infrastructure. This model, covering thousands of sites throughout the UK, is designed to facilitate network expansion with minimal environmental impact, reusing streetworks sites that are already in place. In doing so, Cellnex enables network operators like Netmore to reach high-density areas without the need for extensive new construction.
Paul Stonadge, Commercial Director at Cellnex UK, explained that by leveraging existing structures, Cellnex is able to enhance connectivity while reducing deployment costs for its partners. “We are enabling the rollout of Netmore’s advanced metering technology efficiently, ensuring targeted wireless coverage for its water utility customers,” said Stonadge. He added that with Cellnex’s large portfolio of infrastructure sites, they are able to provide flexible, location-specific connectivity solutions that meet the demand for high-volume device integration.
Supporting the UK’s Water Metering Upgrade
This infrastructure development supports the upgrade of water metering in the UK, contributing to enhanced resource management. By enabling the installation of smart water meters across Yorkshire, the project aligns with the AMP8 regulatory framework, an industry-wide initiative aimed at increasing operational efficiency and sustainability in water resource management. The LoRaWAN connectivity provided by Netmore allows water meters to transmit data using low-power wireless technology, reducing energy consumption and enabling more frequent, real-time monitoring of water usage.
The expansion comes as many UK water utilities prepare to transition from traditional metering methods to more efficient, automated systems. With accurate data collection from these smart meters, utilities are better positioned to identify and address issues such as leaks or unusual consumption patterns, helping to manage water resources sustainably.
This partnership between Netmore and Cellnex UK highlights an industry shift towards more resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure that can be adapted to meet the specific requirements of individual service providers. By tapping into existing structures, the companies are creating a flexible and environmentally friendly solution to the connectivity challenges faced by the water utility sector.
As the demand for smart utilities grows, both companies have expressed their commitment to exploring further opportunities for network expansion within the UK and abroad. Netmore’s managed network services for water utilities mark a strategic investment in the digital transformation of the industry, creating potential for broader applications of LoRaWAN technology. To learn more about Netmore’s managed network service offerings for the water utility market, please visit https://netmoregroup.com/utilities/water-utilities
