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Smart meters to cost the UK billions: 2G switch-off means replacing 12-13 million
(www.theregister.com)
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this post was submitted on 11 Nov 2026
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Technology
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Because the power cables have been installed 100 years ago. They are not going to dig them up to run data lines.
Wireless smart meters are in place in other countries as well (Germany for example). However, the wireless module is just a plug in module, changing it out takes about 20 seconds.
Also in place in the US - they just use 433 MHz I believe, and some dude drives around in a truck collecting readings from the road.
In my US town, it transmits to a nearby receiver on a power pole. Same with water. But also in the US buried power cables are the exception.
Oh, missed that this is retrofitting onto old service. I suppose that does make sense (still kinda hate it).
Yeah, sounds Luke theyre making this more complicated than it needs to be.