Vodafone UK has won its first smart metering award at the inaugural European Smart Metering Awards, part of the industry’s annual UK & Europe Summit, held in London last week.

The Network and Communications Award for 2011 in the Solutions Provider category was picked up by Vodafone for its large scale deployment of mobile data services as part of British Gas’s industry-leading smart metering rollout.

The award was given to Vodafone for its strength as a communications partner in the smart metering industry. The accolade took into account factors such as Vodafone’s award-winning network, innovative technology for secure data transfer and collection and the skills and capability of its people. In addition, Vodafone’s role in its work with British Gas helped to set it apart from the other entrants.

Peter Kelly, Enterprise Director from Vodafone UK said: “These new awards highlight the growing importance of smart metering in the UK. We’re proud to have been recognised for the role we, and our award-winning network, play in enabling the smart meter deployment in the UK.”

“Vodafone has pioneered the use of mobile data network connectivity as the most viable solution for smart metering. There will be significant benefits for customers as it will help them to better manage their energy and automatically receive a bill for exactly what they’ve used. It will also help utility companies better manage their energy networks.”