ConnecTEd World: How the AMI Market is Shifting from Proprietary Mesh to Cellular Solutions

Known for utilizing proprietary mesh networks, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) discovers the benefits of moving over to cellular networks. TE Connectivity’s Gordon Barber, Global Director IoT, RF Solutions, and Sequans Communications’ Nick Taluja, EVP Sales & Customer Support, dove into this trend with ConnecTED World’s Tyler Kern.

According to Barber, looking back through the history of AMI, it wasn’t feasible to have a mobile operated system.

“The technologies weren’t aligned. We didn’t have the radios at the end-device level that were attractive enough in costs. We were maybe even at 2G coming into 3G. The idea of IoT from a mobile network operator perspective hadn’t been well vetted, and it hadn’t gotten off the ground.”
At the same time, mesh networks were a reliable, easy-to-implement available solution.

But today’s advanced technologies eliminate many of the challenges of using mobile operator networks and make switching over from managing a mesh network an attractive and economical choice.

Taluja said there are many advantages to going down the path of digital meters.
“What has happened is people have learned that you can do things like remote disconnect. You can do things like load curtailment. You can talk about energy management. And there’s a slew of additional services and things that the digitization of AMI can offer.”

With the emergence and importance of IoT, getting the most out of one’s AMI system means having a network setup with advanced technology. Today, that means cellular. The upgrades and enhancements are not occurring in mesh networks.

“It comes back again to economics,” Taluja said. “Cellular modules that used to be $75 10 years ago – today, you can get them for about a tenth of the price.”

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

wireless LAN radio
Icom’s Wireless LAN Radio System: Redefining Communication in the Commercial Boating Industry
July 8, 2025

Icom’s Senior Sales Manager, Ray Novack, joins Rick Waedekin, Icom’s West Coast Rep and Coast Marine Marketing President, for a conversation at the Pacific Marine Expo. They discuss Icom’s new wireless LAN radio system designed to improve marine communication through secure, internet-based connectivity. These radios are compact, waterproof, and built to handle rugged conditions. Unlike…

Read More
wireless LAN radios
Icom’s Wireless LAN Radios Are a Game-Changer for Remote Lodging Operations
July 8, 2025

In a short conversation at Pacific Marine Expo, Rick Waedekin, West Coast Sales Rep for Icom, speaks with Sean Cleary, owner of Radar Alaska, about Icom’s new wireless LAN radios. Sean highlights how these radios could benefit remote lodges in Alaska by improving communication about guest locations, employee coordination, and supply tracking. He explains…

Read More
IC-M25 EVO
Unboxing the Slim and Rugged IC-M25 EVO VHF Radio from Icom
July 8, 2025

Makayla Servidad, Sales Admin at Icom, unboxes the blue version of the IC-M25 EVO—an upgraded handheld marine VHF radio that combines modern design with everyday functionality. The unit features USB-C charging, a slim and lightweight frame, and a textured grip for comfortable handling. Included in the box are a flexible antenna, a USB-C cable,…

Read More
security industry
Balancing Innovation and Mission: How the Security Industry Navigates Risk and Growth
July 8, 2025

The security industry is at an inflection point. Rapid technological advancements—like AI, cloud platforms, and big data—are revolutionizing how security solutions are deployed and consumed. At the same time, the profile of the security buyer is changing, with IT, HR, and compliance leaders playing a much bigger role in decision-making. As these shifts accelerate, businesses…

Read More