UK Smart Meter Upgrades Projected to Cost £4 Billion

The United Kingdom faces an estimated £4 billion ($5.3 billion) bill to replace millions of smart meters due to the scheduled shutdown of legacy cellular networks, according to a report from connectivity firm Wirepas titled "The European Connectivity Trilemma," as reported by The Register.

Between 12 million and 13 million meters are at risk of failing as 2G and 3G services are phased out. While the UK government announced the phase-out of these networks in 2021, early smart meters continued to be installed using these standards until 4G versions arrived in late 2024. 3G services have already been withdrawn, and major providers have set deadlines for 2G: BT/EE will begin closures in May 2029, VMO2 will start in the summer of 2029, and Vodafone aims for a spring 2030 switch-off.

The Register reports that the costs are split into two categories:

* **SMETS2 meters:** These require only a communications module swap, estimated to cost £1.3 billion to £1.4 billion. * **SMETS1 meters:** Approximately 7 million first-generation meters have hard-wired cellular communications, requiring full replacements at an estimated cost of £2.1 billion to £2.45 billion.

Wirepas notes that SMETS2 replacements primarily affect southern and central Britain, as northern installations use a long-range radio network. The report warns that once 4G reaches its end-of-life—potentially in the 2040s—another replacement cycle will be required.

A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) told The Register that the transition to 4G is a "planned upgrade" and that smart meters are currently helping consumers save money.