Netmore Group, a Swedish LoRaWAN network operator, has teamed up with Cellnex UK to enhance IoT network coverage by installing LoRaWAN gateways on approximately 200 street poles. This initiative supports the rollout of LoRaWAN-based smart meters for water utilities in the UK. In one of Europe’s largest water metering projects, Netmore is working with Yorkshire Water to replace 1.3 million water meters.
Cellnex, renowned for its tower infrastructure, offered various street infrastructure options. Netmore initially chose 12 streetworks monopole sites, finding them cost-effective and capable of connecting to numerous water meters. This success led to an expansion, with an additional 200 sites set for LoRaWAN installation.
Netmore’s win with Yorkshire Water follows a lasting partnership. Since 2022, the companies have provided LoRaWAN network services and smart meters to 360,000 households. Other UK water utilities have also engaged Netmore for similar projects, highlighting their widespread impact.
Yorkshire Water attributes a 500,000-litre reduction in leakage to these smart meters. The agreement extends to data services up to 2045. Netmore will lead a network of suppliers in installing and maintaining the new meters. Meanwhile, Morrison Water Services will coordinate with customers for meter exchanges, with Itron and Diehl Metering supplying devices.
The project’s final approval is pending from Ofwat in December. The deployment is set for South Yorkshire in 2025, aligning with Yorkshire Water’s efficiency-driven plans under the eighth Asset Management Plan (AMP).
Dominic Murphy, director of international network delivery at Netmore, praised Cellnex UK’s repurposing of street fixtures. This approach reduces network delivery costs while maintaining high-quality connectivity. Murphy expressed excitement about their ongoing partnership in the region.
Paul Stonadge, commercial director at Cellnex UK, supported this sentiment. “By leveraging our approach to sustainable asset-sharing, we are not only facilitating the rollout of Netmore’s cutting-edge technology, but we are also able to ensure efficient and targeted wireless coverage and capacity for its customers.”
