With the increasing need for governments to control energy consumption and reduce waste, it has become necessary for utilities to become “smart” in many countries. Smart utilities require foundational technologies such as smart devices, connectivity, and data processing capabilities. These technologies can help utilities minimize waste without compromising the customer experience. Ultimately, utility providers may be able to differentiate their offerings based on the performance and services supported by their smart meters.

This paper argues that LoRaWAN® technology can be the optimal choice for enabling smart utilities. Traditional options such as hardwired connections, cellular networks, RF Mesh, or satellite connectivity have various drawbacks, such as complex deployment, lack of interoperability, insufficient coverage indoors, and high installation or maintenance costs.