SP AusNet select Motorola's mobile broadband tech to power WiMAX-based smart metering apps

SP AusNet has selected Motorola's mobile broadband technology to power the WiMAX-based smart metering applications.

Smart metering is a full measurement and collection system that includes customer meters, communication networks and data management systems. Motorola's innovative WiMAX application supports wireless communications between customers' meters and the central system, enabling the system to record electricity consumption measurements and remotely manage customer meters.

Motorola will supply and deploy WiMAX WAP 650 base stations operating at 2.3GHz, Access Service Network (ASN) Gateway and new microwave systems to extend the wide area network (WAN) to new coverage areas. The system is based on a flat, all-IP architecture that enables high-speed machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.

SP AusNet's smart meters embedded with WiMAX chipsets, collecting measurements and sending instructions in real time, supporting the analysis of usage patterns and power generation needs. This wireless network also will allow SP AusNet to facilitate smooth communications for its field operations.

"This is the first time WiMAX technology will be used in smart metering for an electrical utility company. The WiMAX technology supports high-speed data communications and hundreds of thousands of smart metering connections that are capable of covering large geographical areas, providing a solid foundation to build a reliable and cost-effective communications network for smart metering," said Eric Starnes, vice president of sales and operations for Motorola's Home & Networks Mobility business in Asia. "Motorola's WiMAX solution will deliver a standards-based, carrier-grade solution that is secure, reliable and flexible to meet SP AusNet's smart metering requirements while delivering an unmatched quality of services. The contract win demonstrates our commitment to help customers like SP AusNet expand their capabilities."

By providing more information on energy consumption levels in different time periods during the day, smart metering enables customers to enjoy cheaper electricity rates by better managing their usage. The WiMAX-based system also can support a series of new functions such as remote connection and disconnection, outage detection and notification, power quality control and asset optimization.

For more details visit www.motorola.com