Thales and Landis+Gyr have announced a partnership to make smart meter connectivity easier to manage across large utility networks. The collaboration combines Thales’ eSIM technology with IoT connectivity management tools, allowing utilities to remotely configure and monitor their connected meters without replacing physical SIM cards. Initially focused on North America, the partnership also highlights a broader challenge for utilities worldwide: keeping millions of smart meters connected as mobile networks and communication technologies evolve. For eeNews Europe readers, the collaboration shows how emerging eSIM standards can simplify large-scale IoT deployments. The technology could be particularly relevant to European utilities and device manufacturers looking to reduce maintenance costs, improve network flexibility, and extend the operational life of smart energy infrastructure. Remote eSIM management for smart meters At the center of the collaboration is Thales’ eSIM technology, which complies with the GSMA SGP.32 specification for remote SIM provisioning in IoT devices. The standard allows network profiles to be installed, updated, or changed over the air. This means utilities can switch connectivity providers or adapt to changing network conditions without sending technicians to replace SIM cards in individual meters. The solution also integrates Simetric’s connectivity management platform, which provides a centralized view of connected devices. Utilities can monitor network performance, manage subscriptions, and coordinate connectivity across large fleets from a single interface. Importantly, the platform supports both traditional SIM and eSIM devices, allowing operators to manage existing infrastructure alongside newer deployments. Reducing maintenance and extending device lifetimes Smart meters often remain in service for many years, making connectivity flexibility an important consideration when planning deployments. Landis+Gyr already serves more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, with over 180 million connected intelligent devices in operation. According to Berg Insight, the number of smart electricity meters installed in North America is expected to increase from 152.4 million in 2024 to 180.9 million by 2030. “No utility wants to replace thousands of devices just because technology changes,” said Roque Martin, Senior Vice President of Connected Platforms at Landis+Gyr. “Our collaboration with Thales helps solve that challenge by giving utilities the flexibility to adapt connectivity over time without swapping out hardware in the field. As this capability becomes part of our Revelo® and Surent® platforms, customers can choose the network approach that works best for them today and adjust as their needs evolve in the future.” Supporting large-scale IoT deployments Beyond reducing maintenance visits, the partnership aims to improve the reliability and scalability of connected energy systems. Thales says its eSIM subscription management technology already supports more than 450 mobile network operators and 200 OEMs. The company has also obtained GSMA eSA certification for SGP.32, supporting secure commercial deployment of its IoT eSIM technology. By combining remote provisioning with centralized monitoring, Thales and Landis+Gyr aim to help utilities manage growing smart meter fleets while maintaining service continuity as networks evolve. More information is available from Thales and Landis+Gyr . The post Thales and Landis+Gyr Simplify Smart Meter Connectivity appeared first on eeNews Europe .