Ericsson selected to deploy LTE smart grid

Ericsson will design and integrate a multivendor wireless access network for Australian largest energy provider Energy Australia that will enable two-way communications between electrical control devices, back-end systems and households. Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide equipment, software and services, and will leverage the Melbourne-based Ericsson Global LTE Competence Centre, and Ericsson''s deep local expertise in network design, planning and integration. The network will be rolled out across 150 sites in New South Wales and it will transmit data between 12,000 smart monitoring devices being installed on the electricity distribution network, up to 3,000 mobile field computers, and 200 zone substations. EnergyAustralia will conduct trials of an LTE platform commencing in 2011, with the intent to migrate to a full LTE network.