The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has introduced new guidelines for installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters. The move aims to improve network connectivity and reduce technical problems affecting these meters.
Under the new instructions, telecom SIM cards will be selected according to local mobile network coverage. The company will prioritise operators providing stronger signals in specific urban and rural areas.
FESCO has directed all its operational circles to assess mobile network signal quality before choosing SIM cards. This assessment will help officials identify the most suitable telecom operator for each location.
According to company officials, the new approach is expected to reduce connectivity problems. It may also prevent meters from shutting down or losing communication with the network.
The instructions have been circulated to all FESCO circles. Implementation is already underway across the company’s operational areas.
FESCO Focuses on Better AMI Meter Connectivity
Advanced Metering Infrastructure meters use communication networks to transmit electricity consumption data. Reliable connectivity is important for these meters to function effectively.
However, weak mobile signals can affect communication between meters and the systems receiving their data. This can lead to interruptions and technical difficulties.
Under the revised guidelines, FESCO will assess signal strength before assigning SIM cards to AMI meters. Instead of selecting one telecom operator for every location, officials will consider the network performance in each area.
This approach is intended to match each meter with the operator offering the most reliable local coverage. It also recognises that mobile network performance can vary between different locations.
Both urban and rural areas will be considered during the assessment. This will help officials identify suitable networks across the company’s service territory.
New Guidelines Aim to Reduce Technical Issues
FESCO expects the new instructions to reduce incidents of AMI meters losing connectivity or shutting down. Better network selection could help improve communication and support more reliable meter operations.
The company has asked all its circles to follow the new procedure. Officials must evaluate local signal quality before selecting the relevant SIM cards.
The initiative is part of efforts to address technical challenges associated with AMI meter connectivity. More reliable communication could also support smoother electricity monitoring and improve service for consumers.
However, the company has not provided specific figures showing how many meters have experienced connectivity issues. It has also not announced a numerical target for reducing such incidents.
Implementation Underway Across FESCO Circles
FESCO has confirmed that the instructions have been issued to all its circles. Implementation of the revised SIM selection process is already underway.
The effectiveness of the measure will depend on local network assessments and the quality of available telecom coverage. Selecting suitable operators could help minimise communication interruptions in areas with weaker signals.
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The company expects the change to improve AMI meter performance and reduce technical difficulties for consumers. Further results will depend on how effectively the new guidelines are implemented across its operational areas.
