DUBAI, UAE (October 26, 2017):  Sensus, a Xylem brand, (NYSE: XYL) and industry leader in multi-utility smart metering communications technologies, advanced metrology, sensors and data analytics, announces the launch of FlexNet™, its utility-grade IoT communications network into the Middle East. Designed specifically for utilities and uniquely operating in dedicated and licensed radio spectrum, FlexNet will provide essential security for utility data coming from critical national infrastructure, and build the foundations for pioneering smart city programmes in the Middle East. 

 

Smart solutions play a critical role in the successful deployment of smart city infrastructure, clean energy operations and the introduction of demand-side management. Unlike other providers, Sensus technology is designed for and completely dedicated to critical national infrastructure and utilities: the network runs on a fully dedicated and licensed radio spectrum which would never be used for non-critical smart city devices. This ensures that near real-time data delivery is guaranteed. The multi-awarded FlexNet™ technology runs on a single platform 

 

and delivers high speed, scalable and reliable two-way communications without the need for expensive in-fill street furniture, giving the lowest total cost of ownership to those adopting smart metering solutions in the Middle East. 

 

The benefits of adopting smart solutions in the region include conservation and optimisation of water usage - increasing operational efficiencies and bringing huge savings to the utility, enhanced view of electricity demand - to limit power outages and improve customer satisfaction, the safe delivery of natural gas and the implementation of smart solutions in smart cities to improve the quality of life in communities. 

 

FlexNet was recently selected by the UK government as the communications infrastructure for the Great Britain Smart Metering Programme in northern England and Scotland. This network will connect 11 million homes, making it the largest smart meter network in the world to date. Sensus brings 170 years of experience in supplying utility-grade technology into the Middle East, with 37 million smart points already deployed across six continents and more than 400 million messages securely sent and received every day. 

 

Speaking about the market, Tom Mills, Director of the Strategic Customer Team, EMEA & AP, for Sensus said, “MENA countries continue to move forward with their individual smart city concepts and are looking to highlight the modernisation of their economies. As these projects proliferate, the MENA smart grid market will see steady growth in the near-to-medium term, setting the stage for a $17.8 billion cumulative market between 2015-2025, according to a report by the Northeast Group.” 

 

He went on to add, “The UAE’s Vision 2021, as well as KSA’s Vision 2030, have addressed the concern for the environment by aptly emphasising the need for creating a sustainable environment for quality living through smart cities. At Sensus, our state-of-the-art solutions and systems directly contribute to the development of smart cities through the optimisation of power usage and the provision of all necessary support to apply clean energy and smart solutions.  

 

We know how important it is for utilities to have a dedicated network designed specifically to support critical national infrastructure in order to deliver accurate data that will enable efficiencies in their business.” 

 

Sensus launched its smart metering and FlexNet solutions at the 19th annual WETEX Exhibition Dubai, taking place on 23rd to 25th October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.