Water utilities are facing significant challenges, from water scarcity, aging infrastructure, increasing conservation mandates, and the need to deliver reliable service to growing communities. To meet these demands, utilities require timely and highly accurate data delivered by a secure, cost-effective network.
Traditional proprietary networks often fall short. They are expensive to deploy, difficult to scale, and lock utilities into closed ecosystems that limit flexibility. Recognizing these barriers, Itron and Verizon have joined forces, uniting Itron’s leadership in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) with Verizon’s reliable nationwide cellular network. Together, they deliver a scalable, standards-based solution that lowers upfront costs, eliminates vendor lock-in, and removes the limitations of legacy networks.
A Proven, Trusted Collaboration
With a longstanding collaboration, Itron and Verizon have worked across all levels of their organizations to deliver a flexible, secure, and standards-based network platform. Verizon’s private network domain ensures the data never crosses the public internet, enhancing security and reliability. This dependable infrastructure enables utilities to consistently read meters, improve customer service, and meet conservation goals.
Reliable Devices, Built To Last
Solutions most suited to support long-term battery-powered AMI are engineered for durability and optimized power consumption. They operate reliably in harsh conditions for 20 years with:
- Ruggedized housing is made of UV-resistant plastics and corrosion-resistant metal and is fully sealed to withstand harsh environments.
- Optimized power systems utilize firmware and communication protocols (like 3GPP LTE Cat-M1 power-save mode) to minimize battery draw.
- Efficient data transmission uses small payloads and scheduled/event driven reporting to avoid unnecessary transmission.
- Environmental hardening is designed to resist moisture, vibration, shock, and large temperature ranges.
- Standards-based forward compatibility can be remotely updated without a truck roll.
- Proven reliability with 20-year design specifications based on decades of field deployments.
By transmitting only a small amount of meter data — on average about 500 KB per month — Itron devices maintain exceptionally low power consumption while taking advantage of Verizon’s advanced LTE Cat-M1 power-saving features. LTE Cat-M1 is purpose-built for low-power IoT applications, operating on lower frequencies that provide superior penetration for water meters in hard-to-reach locations. Its ability to efficiently handle small data packets without the overhead of full LTE ensures near real-time readings and alerts, while significantly extending device battery life.
Itron’s devices are designed to remain compatible as Verizon’s network evolves by leveraging standards-based LTE Cat-M1 technology, which ensures forward compatibility with Verizon’s long-term IoT road map. Built for an extended operating life, the devices combine ruggedized hardware with efficient data transmission, advanced low-power modes, and environmental hardening to maintain performance in the field. Just as important, they support remote firmware updates, allowing utilities to adapt seamlessly as Verizon introduces new security protocols, scheduling features, or transitions toward 5G Massive IoT. This means utilities can deploy with confidence, knowing their investments will continue to operate reliably without costly replacements or service disruptions as the network advances.
Smarter Networks, Smarter Utilities
Cellular AMI simplifies modernization options available to water utilities by facilitating reliable and affordable data access. This enables:
- leak detection and theft prevention
- accurate billing and proactive customer service
- predictive analytics to prevent main breaks and reduce non-revenue water
- simplified centralized management and analysis of water consumption data.
Utilities can choose to deploy cellular AMI fully or strategically, addressing specific challenges like hard-to-reach areas or safety concerns. In addition to an all-cellular implementation, the system is designed with the flexibility to complement a utility’s existing Itron mesh networks. This involves a hybrid approach that leverages both communication technologies to optimize coverage, reliability, and scalability. With this approach, utilities can maintain their current mesh-based infrastructure while layering in LTE Cat-M1 endpoints to fill coverage gaps, support underground or remote meters, and extend connectivity without the need for additional mesh collectors. Data from both mesh and cellular endpoints is funneled into the same headend and meter data management systems, ensuring a unified operational view. This hybrid model also allows utilities to continue using mobile AMR readers during the transition, bridging networks for a smooth migration at the utility’s own pace while maximizing the value of existing investments.
Laying The Foundation For Smart Cities
Beyond water management, cellular AMI supports broader smart city initiatives. Utilities can integrate third-party devices, such as pressure sensors, sewer overflow sensors, and other IoT applications into the same network, maximizing investment and operational efficiency.
Future-Ready, Today
Together, Itron and Verizon have created a resilient, future-proof solution that empowers water utilities of all sizes to modernize operations, improve service, and build toward a smarter, more sustainable future.
“We value our longstanding collaboration with Verizon as we deliver robust, future-ready solutions to utilities,” said John Marcolini, senior vice president of Networked Solutions at Itron. “By combining our expertise in smart infrastructure with Verizon’s leading cellular technology, we are empowering utilities to seamlessly modernize operations, enhance resiliency, and unlock new possibilities for smarter communities.”