Telefónica has been awarded the contract for the comprehensive digitalisation of the water cycle promoted by the Regional Government, through the Public Infrastructure and Environment Company of Castilla y León (SOMACYL). The initiative represents a qualitative leap in the modernisation of an essential service by replacing the traditional model of manual water meter reading with an innovative system of automated, secure and continuous remote reading, aimed at promoting more efficient management and distribution of water resources. The contract will run for over 10 years, covering implementation, operation and maintenance.
Though its digital business unit Telefónica Tech, the company will supply 175,000 smart meters with integrated NB-IoT connectivity and a platform to analyse the data extracted from the devices. Both domestic and industrial-grade meters for higher flow rates will enable real-time information to be obtained, improve service accuracy and anticipate incidents or abnormal consumption.
Advanced data analytics
To ensure the system’s reliability, Telefónica has a robust NB-IoT network, managed centrally via its proprietary Kite platform, which transmits meter data with low energy consumption and excellent indoor penetration and outdoor signal propagation, making it ideal for areas with poor coverage. The company has also deployed a modular platform capable of integrating data from multiple meter brands and technologies, facilitating operational monitoring, incident management, advanced data analytics and the traceability of all installed components.
The project incorporates a robust approach to the security of the communications network and the platform itself in accordance with regulations, ensuring data protection, operational resilience and compliance with the standards required for critical government services.
Darío Cesena, Director of IoT at Telefónica Tech, says: “Our managed IoT connectivity is enabling us to offer more and better services to customers so that they can, in this case, optimise water resource management in a more efficient, secure and sustainable way through remote water meter reading. The project to digitise the full water cycle in Castilla y León helps to anticipate incidents, improve operations and deliver a higher quality service, and reaffirms Telefónica’s commitment to becoming the best gateway for citizens, businesses and public administrations to digital technologies.”
Efficiency, transparency and better service for citizens
Smart water meters provide hourly consumption data that enables the early detection of leaks, incidents and abnormal consumption; improves operational efficiency and service planning; provides transparency and accuracy in consumption information; and paves the way for data-driven predictive management models.
Telefónica is reinforcing its commitment to the modernisation of critical infrastructure and the digital development of Castilla y León, integrating innovative technology, security and connectivity to offer a more efficient, sustainable and citizen-focused service that enables it to achieve its aim of becoming the best gateway for citizens, businesses and public administrations to digital technologies.
