Calisen: Your Trusted Partner for the 4G Communications Hub Rollout

Calisen is proud to have played a key role in the recent Initial Pallet Validation (IPV) pilot project, which saw 9,000 4G communications hubs installed in homes across England and Wales. Led by the Data Communications Company (DCC), this two-month pilot aimed to validate the technology and upgrade process ahead of the mass rollout set to begin later this year. As one of the major delivery partners, we successfully completed nearly 20% of the installations, demonstrating our efficiency, expertise and readiness for the nationwide rollout.

 

Preparing for the future of smart metering

 

With the phase-out of 2G and 3G mobile networks, nearly 30 million SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters will require an upgrade. The IPV pilot was a critical step in ensuring a smooth transition, and our involvement provided invaluable insights into the process. The first 4G communications hubs were installed in December 2024, and on completion of the pilot on 7th February 2025, we had installed one in five of the new hubs. This milestone marks a significant step in the UK’s smart metering journey and reinforces our commitment to supporting the nation’s net-zero ambitions.

 

Developed in collaboration with Vodafone for network connectivity and Toshiba as the manufacturer, alongside Accenture, CGI, and Deloitte, the new 4G hub solution has proven to be both reliable and efficient. Our smart meter installers completed installations seamlessly, confirming the technology’s readiness for wider deployment.

 

Leverage our expertise and nationwide reach

With nearly three decades of experience supporting energy suppliers, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate the 4G comms hub rollout. Our credentials include:

 

• 200,000 smart meter installations annually

• Over 4 million site visits and meter readings each year

• A nationwide field force of 600+ skilled meter reader

• An established track record of working with leading UK energy suppliers

 

Our extensive team of qualified smart meter installers is equipped to handle both standard and complex installations, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

 

Calisen Smart 360: Ready to deliver

Through our Calisen Smart 360 service, we conduct tens of thousands of home and business visits annually. In anticipation of the 4G communications hub rollout, we have already upskilled 10% of our field force at our Calisen Smart Energy Academy. This training enables our meter readers to carry out communications tasks, including rebooting or exchanging a communications hub. With plans to further expand and upskill our workforce, we stand ready to support energy suppliers at scale.

 

Partner with Calisen for a seamless rollout

Energy suppliers must act now to ensure a successful nationwide upgrade. By partnering with us, you gain access to our unparalleled expertise, proven track record, commitment to achieving net zero and recent 4G communications hub pilot project experience. Whether you require full installation support or supplementary field resources, we can tailor our services to meet your needs.

 

Let’s collaborate to deliver a smooth and efficient 4G rollout. Talk to us today about how we can support your 4G comms hub upgrade.