What mobile network do smart meters use?

Gunner567

Does anyone happen to know what mobile network smart meters use to operate? We've just moved and the previous occupiers of this house had prepayment meters installed due to being in debt. We have switched supplier but they say they can't change the meters as they are "part of the house" ... If we want them changed we have to pay to get them changed and be a customer for 6 months OR opt for a smart meter which would be free and only take a few weeks

However, when going on the suppliers website, it says they can't install a smart meter as there is no network coverage in this area. I find this extremely hard to believe as it's not like we live in the middle of nowhere!

Does anyone know what mobile network they use to send the meter readings or do different companies use different networks?

Gerry1

Arqiva is installing the network infrastructure in the north of England and Scotland while Telefonica (O2) is installing across central and southern England and Wales.

Don't be bamboozled into having smart meters if you don't want them.

tehone

Switch to a different provider that will do what you require

Are your supplier saying that you have to pay their pre-payment rate because of this issue?

Gunner567

@Gerry1 I don't mind having a smart meter, we had one at our old house and we found it really helpful (plus having a fear of spiders and no longer having to visit the cupboard to read the meter was a gift from God XD)

@tephone We've switched to the same provider (Bulb) we had at our old house where we had credit meters. We never had an issue with them and were only paying £50 a month. Before that we were with SSE and despite paying £115 a month we were never in credit. Don't fancy switching again as they are the cheapest provider we've ever had 😂 ...They say that we can switch the meter but we either have to get smart meters for free (but apparently there is no signal so they can't install them) or we have to wait 6 months, manage our account effectively and not use any of the emergency credit and then STILL have to pay to have the meters changed if we meet the above criteria 🤦‍♂️ I could understand if we were new customers, but we've been with them for nearly 2 years at our old house and were always in credit so we're baffled as to why that isn't proof enough that we can manage our account!

tehone

I'm not sure if you answered this, and I missed it, it sounds as if you are on a pre-payment rate with Bulb, these are usually more expensive than pay by DD rates (not to mention the aggravation of having to go and get top-ups etc, the possibility of running out and then having to use emergency credit). I'd be very tempted to contact a few other providers and check their rates and that they woudl switch you to a different meter (whether it be smart or otherwise)

matelodave

If Bulb are being awkward then find another supplier who isn't. As you say you've got a good record then tell them to get stuffed - TBH they need you more than you need them, so why would you want to stay with them. They aren't the cheapest out there