European smart gas meters penetration hit 45% in 2023

According to a new report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the installed base of smart gas meters in Europe reached 55.9 million units in 2023.

Equivalent to a penetration rate of 45 percent, this represents significant growth in the adoption of smart gas metering technology across the continent.

The report forecasts that the installed base will continue expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8 percent between 2023 and 2028, reaching 77.6 million...

7 March 2024 | Applications

Self-driving shuttle arrives in Sunderland

The debut of the self-driving Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle (SAMS) aims to revolutionise urban mobility in the city.

SAMS, which arrived in Sunderland recently, promises to redefine how residents and visitors navigate the city streets. This autonomous shuttle, set to hit the roads this spring, represents a milestone in Sunderland's journey towards embracing self-driving technology.

Sunderland's Mayor, Councillor Dorothy Trueman, said: “We are thrilled to welcome...

4 March 2024 | 5G

UK announces measures to advance smart energy technology

The UK has announced new measures aimed at advancing smart energy technology and infrastructure across the country. The plans focus on enabling more homes to benefit from smart meters and flexible energy tariffs, as well as funding for companies to test new IoT-enabled services.

A key part of the strategy is improving support for in-home displays that connect to smart meters. The government has launched a scheme for customers to repair or replace faulty displays beyond the...

23 February 2024 | Applications

BT launches NB-IoT network to support UK smart cities

BT has announced the launch of its NB-IoT network to support the growth of UK smart cities and industries. The network, which boasts coverage of 97% of the UK population, leverages EE’s mobile network infrastructure.

NB-IoT – as a low-power network technology – holds the promise of revolutionising various sectors, including utilities, construction, and the public sector, by securely and reliably connecting devices to automate numerous processes currently reliant on manual...

22 February 2024 | Connectivity

Connexin wins UK’s largest smart water metering contract

Connexin has secured the largest smart water metering contract in the UK to date, winning a deal with Essex & Suffolk Water to supply up to one million smart water meters across Essex and Suffolk by 2035.

The deal will see Connexin install wireless network infrastructure and provide Itron smart water meters to Essex & Suffolk Water over the next 11 years. The meters will enable remote, real-time monitoring of household and business water usage. 

Connexin...

5 February 2024 | Applications

Samsung and British Gas will help UK homes reduce energy use

Samsung is partnering with British Gas to help UK customers take control of their household energy consumption.

"As one of the UK’s most trusted brands, British Gas is the perfect fit for us as an innovative technology business. Together we are now able to harness SmartThings Energy to provide customers with easier control into optimising their daily routines and energy use," explained Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung.

The collaboration expands the...

24 January 2024 | Environment

Glasgow aims to become Europe’s largest IoT hub

A new partnership between the UK Government, Glasgow City Council, and the Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC) aims to transform Glasgow into Europe's largest IoT innovation hub.

The collaboration centres around a £2.5 million investment into a state-of-the-art 250-desk facility named "thebeyond" at SkyPark, Finnieston in Glasgow. The facility will serve as an accelerator for Glasgow's burgeoning IoT industry.

Partners believe Glasgow can become a global leader in...

10 January 2024 | Applications

Virgin Media develops 5G drone for search and rescue missions

Virgin Media O2 has developed a 5G-connected drone that’s designed to bolster communication for search and rescue teams.

The Warwickshire Search and Rescue team is the first to trial the 5G drone. In vast and remote terrains, establishing reliable communication proves to be a challenge for rescue teams—hindering their ability to execute time-critical missions effectively.

Virgin Media O2's 5G Technical Trials team devised a solution that leverages a network of...

13 December 2023 | 5G

Amazon will launch delivery drones in the UK and Italy next year

Amazon has announced the expansion of its Prime Air drone package delivery system to international locations.

Starting in late 2024, customers in the UK, Italy, and a third undisclosed city in the US will have the option to receive their packages via drones.

The current Prime Air service, operational in the US for almost a year, has been delivering packages weighing up to five pounds within one hour.

Prime Air’s expansion will include the introduction of the...

19 October 2023 | Applications

Soracom aims to improve IoT connectivity affordability

Soracom has introduced a new cellular IoT data plan aimed at European startups and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

The plan, called Plan X3-EU, is designed to facilitate the rapid deployment of connected products and services while minimising data costs.

With rates starting at just €4.50 for a full year of cellular IoT data at 25MB per month, Soracom's Plan X3-EU offers an affordable and transparent solution for M2M devices and sensors.

One of the...

13 July 2023 | 4G