Itron Inc. and Deutsche Telekom, an integrated telecommunications company, have signed an agreement to collaborate on delivering smart metering solutions to target markets in Europe.
Under this agreement, the two companies will utilize Itron's smart meter solutions, Deutsche Telekom's machine-to-machine (M2M) capabilities, Information and Communication Technology solutions and Intelligent Networks Energy solution offering. Itron will embed Deutsche Telekom's SIM cards in its GPRS meters, which Itron says will enable the company to provide a complete solution and service offering in more markets, building off of Deutsche Telekom’s communication network.
Furthermore, both parties agree to cooperate for purposes of creating, as well as responding to, joint business opportunities in the area of smart energy (smart metering, smart grid and smart home) in European markets.
"The smart metering industry is demanding end-to-end solutions for intelligent energy networks. Together with Itron, we can offer a complete M2M-based solution from hardware to managed connectivity, integration, rollout and operations services," says Jürgen Hase, head of Deutsche Telekom’s M2M Competence Center.
