Sensus, Entropia and Combus to Launch IoT Network for Utility Companies

Sensus is working with water utilities in Benelux to implement smart water networks. The company has partnered exclusively with Critical Communication Operator Entropia and ComBus Technologies to deploy the Sensus FlexNet communication network.

With a smart water network leveraging FlexNet technology, water companies in the region can monitor and diagnose issues remotely. For example, companies can initiate proactive maintenance, detect underground leaks at a distance and accurately determine the chemical composition of the water in near real time. Additionally, consumers will have more insight into their water consumption.

Entropia and ComBus will deploy and manage the FlexNet network on their licensed radio spectrum, which is dedicated to critical national infrastructure in the Benelux region.

A communication network built for utilities
Entropia is the first Communications Service Provider in the Benelux market to provide an IoT communications network that has been specifically designed for and built to transport mission critical data produced by utility companies.

“FlexNet uses licensed radio spectrum that is protected by law against interference from other networks and devices,” says Philip Vercruysse, Founder & CEO, Entropia. “This not only improves performance, but also offers more security and reliability than other IoT networks that are designed for consumer IoT devices, such as smart fridges. No company should send critical data over shared networks, on which, millions of other non-critical devices and applications also communicate.”

Smart water
Water utilities face the considerable challenge of delivering more sustainable products and services, at lower costs. Using the FlexNet communications network, these companies can collect critical data from the utilities system and automatically implement necessary changes. This system monitoring and control means utilities can provide water in a more reliable, safe and cost-efficient way.

“The water networks in the Benelux region have lower levels of non-revenue water compared to many other countries in Europe. The business case for implementing a smart water network is therefore in the value that mission critical data will bring in helping water utilities manage their networks and streamline their operations.” says Tom Mills, Director of Smart Water EMEA, Sensus.

“The water companies want to understand the end to end operation of the network and make changes to it on the fly. The only way to do this is to implement a communications network that has been optimized for the utility sector, offers cost savings in the production of water, near real-time monitoring of the chemical composition of the water and predictive remote maintenance. Far fewer people are needed on location to identify and resolve possible problems, increasing operational efficiency and resulting in tangible savings for the utility.”

Trials in the Netherlands and Belgium
In preparation for a large-scale implementation, Sensus and Entropia are currently working on FlexNet trials in the Netherlands and Belgium. The technology and connectivity are being tested by both utilities and end users to ensure full coverage.

Award Winning
Sensus and Entropia have been shortlisted for three awards at this year’s European Smart Energy Awards for their network performance in the categories ‘IoT Solution of the Year’, ‘Smart Grid Network’ and ‘Communication Award and Smart Home Innovation of the Year’. These awards are the largest of its type in Europe and judged by a panel of industry experts.