Itron smart meters to incorporate Qualcomm Gobi 3G™ multi-mode
chipsets
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) today announced a collaboration with Qualcomm
Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated
(NASDAQ:QCOM), on a next-generation smart energy platform that leverages
cellular technology through the use of Qualcomm's Gobi™ MDM8x15 chipset
offered by Qualcomm Technologies. The new Itron smart meters will bring
greater choices to utility customers deploying smart metering solutions
and further strengthen Itron's integrated cellular offerings.
The new platform will combine Itron's OpenWay® smart meters with
Qualcomm Technologies' Gobi MDM8x15 multi-mode modem and integrated
application processor, enabling a streamlined and cost-optimized
solution. With support for multiple 3G standards (UMTS/HSPA or
CDMA2000), extensibility to 4G-LTE and backwards compatibility with 2G
technologies, this solution will have a global footprint. These
advantages combine to enable emerging smart energy applications that
require greater amounts of granular data such as distribution
automation, demand response, distributed generation, pre-paid metering,
electric vehicle integration and Volt/Var monitoring.
The cellular solution will enable utilities to strategically deploy
their smart grid devices regardless of their service territory geography
- as a standalone solution, for in-fill coverage gaps or in combination
with other access technologies. Cellular allows utilities to
strategically and rapidly deploy meters, grid devices and sensors on
commercially available cellular IP networks.
"This collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies is very significant for
Itron," said Russ Vanos, senior vice president of strategy and business
development at Itron. "When we acquired SmartSynch, we recognized the
growing importance of 3G cellular for smart grid deployments. Now, we
have taken the next logical step in working strategically with Qualcomm
Technologies so that we can stay at the forefront of cellular
developments, utilize the smartphone ecosystem and its capabilities and
scale for the smart grid. It also helps ensure that Itron continues to
offer our customers a broad portfolio of integrated communication
options."
"We are planning to introduce to the smart energy space similar
technologies that we have brought to today's leading mobile and
computing devices, helping to extend our vision for the ‘Internet of
Everything,'" said Kanwalinder Singh, senior vice president of business
development, Qualcomm Technologies. "Itron is a leader in software,
services and communications for the smart grid with OpenWay. The Gobi
platform will host OpenWay applications and make them globally
deployable on 3G networks with migration to LTE and backward
compatibility to 2G. We are excited about working with Itron, and,
through our Gobi 3G multi-mode chipsets, to helping enable Itron to meet
the evolving needs of global utilities with cellular technologies."
DistribuTECH 2013 Conference & Exhibition
See what Itron has brewing in booth #2714 and learn about the industry's
broadest portfolio of software, communications and measurement
technology.
Visit Qualcomm at booth #3229 to discover advanced communications and
computing technologies for smart energy solutions, including 4G/3G/2G
cellular, low resource Wi-Fi and HomePlug Green PHY.
About Itron
Itron is a global technology company. We build solutions that help
utilities measure, manage and analyze energy and water. Our broad
product portfolio includes electricity, gas, water and thermal energy
measurement and control technology; communications systems; software;
and professional services. With thousands of employees supporting nearly
8,000 utilities in more than 100 countries, Itron empowers utilities to
responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. Join us
in creating a more resourceful world; start here: www.itron.com.
Qualcomm and Gobi are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in
the United States and other countries. All Qualcomm Incorporated
trademarks are used with permission. Other products or brand names may
be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Itron, Inc.
Sharelynn Moore, 509-891-3524
Vice
President, Corporate Communications
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
or
Barbara
Doyle, 509-891-3443
Vice President, Investor Relations
barbara.doyle@itron.com
Source: Itron, Inc.
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