Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), a frontrunner in India’s telecommunications sector, today announced its strategic partnership with IntelliSmart Infrastructure Private Limited, a leader in smart metering and digital solutions. This collaboration positions Airtel to power up to 20 million smart meters, marking a significant venture in high-end applications such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Meter Data Management Systems, alongside Cloud and Analytics. This partnership is the largest of its kind in India’s smart metering arena and is a substantial contribution to Airtel’s rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) deployment across various sectors.

Airtel’s IoT Proposition and Technology Integration

Airtel’s IoT proposition is centered around its proprietary platform, the “Airtel IoT Hub.” This platform will enable utility companies to track and monitor smart meters with advanced analytics while ensuring telco-grade security and reliability. The IoT hub, housed on Airtel’s cloud network, will allow enterprise users to connect and manage a vast array of devices and applications in a secure and seamless manner.

Strengthening Market Leadership in IoT

Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, CEO of Airtel Business (India), emphasized Airtel’s reinforced market leadership as the largest IoT enabler in the country. He highlighted the company’s strategic role in supporting the Government of India’s vision to digitize 250 million conventional meters into smart meters. Airtel is poised to expand its IoT market share, which already stands at 55.4% as of Q1 FY23-24.

IntelliSmart’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Solutions

Anil Rawal, MD & CEO of IntelliSmart Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., discussed the significance of India’s smart metering program in modernizing the power distribution sector. Smart meters are crucial for smart grids and digitalization of the power system. The collaboration with Airtel, according to Rawal, is a vital step towards implementing one of India’s largest portfolios of smart meters, enhancing the infrastructure solution with a resilient and secure cloud-hosted cellular communication network.

Government of India’s Vision for Power Sector Digitization

The Government of India has an ambitious vision to replace 250 million conventional meters with Smart Meters over the next five years as part of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure initiative. Airtel IoT is set to play a pivotal role in enabling this vision, leveraging its unique capabilities. The digitization of the power sector, driven by government initiatives for transparency and consumer-friendly measures, is expected to see innovations like Smart Meters become increasingly prevalent.

Conclusion: A New Era of Power Sector Innovation

The strategic partnership between Bharti Airtel and IntelliSmart marks a new era in the power sector’s digital transformation in India. This project aligns with national goals for a more transparent and efficient power distribution system, highlighting the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of energy management and consumer engagement.

  Anil Rawal, Bharti Airtel, Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, India, IntelliSmart Infrastructure, IoT, Smart Metering