DALLAS and RALEIGH, N.C. -- AT&T* and Elster (NYSE: ELT), a global leader in advanced metering technology and Smart Grid solutions, today announced that they have signed a new agreement that will enable comprehensive end-to-end wireless solutions for utilities.
The combined offering enables utilities to integrate distribution area networking from AT&T's high speed, cellular data network with Elster's EnergyAxis advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solution.
Utilities will now have access to an open and multi-technology smart grid platform that optimizes efficiency and reliability, while reducing the operational costs of having to manage proprietary networks. Based on open-standards and high security protocols, critical information on energy consumption and usage from the end-user is collected and managed in real time by Elster's EnergyAxis-enabled smart meters and two-way, standards-based communications network. This information is then aggregated and transported securely over AT&T's high speed networks.
"Momentum within smart grid has been picking up at a rapid pace for us," said Chris Hill, Vice President, Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions. "With this agreement with Elster, we are excited about the potential to expand our Smart Grid offerings beyond North America."
"Elster has strong history of working with utilities to create operational efficiencies and one of the main reasons for this success is our ability to seamlessly integrate our EnergyAxis solution into an existing IT infrastructure or geography," said Mark Munday, CEO of Elster Solutions. "With this new agreement with AT&T, Elster is expanding the industry's most comprehensive suite of Smart Grid solutions to meet the specific needs of our customers."
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T)
Elster Group