Itron, Inc. announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies Inc., on a next-generation smart energy platform that leverages cellular technology through the use of Qualcomm's Gobi(TM) MDM8x15 chipset offered by Qualcomm Technologies. The new Itron smart meters will bring greater choices to utility customers deploying smart metering solutions and further strengthen Itron's integrated cellular offerings. The new platform will combine Itron's OpenWay(R) smart meters with Qualcomm Technologies' Gobi MDM8x15 multi-mode modem and integrated application processor, enabling a streamlined and cost-optimized solution.

With support for multiple 3G standards (UMTS/HSPA or CDMA2000), extensibility to 4G-LTE and backwards compatibility with 2G technologies, this solution will have a global footprint. These advantages combine to enable emerging smart energy applications that require greater amounts of granular data such as distribution automation, demand response, distributed generation, pre-paid metering, electric vehicle integration and Volt/Var monitoring.