Smart meters could soon connect via your home broadband

Home broadband could soon play a much bigger role in the UK’s energy network.

The Government has confirmed plans for a new ‘Virtual WAN’ (VWAN) service, allowing some Smart Meters to connect via a household’s broadband and Wi-Fi from 2026. The move aims to reach homes that currently struggle to get a reliable mobile signal – one of the biggest barriers to Smart Meter upgrades.

Why is this happening?

Many Smart Meters rely on older mobile networks (2G and 3G) to send usage data automatically to energy suppliers. But with those networks being phased out by 2033, millions of meters will need an upgrade to newer 4G-based systems.

While that works well for most homes, some properties still fall into ‘no-coverage zones’ where the signal can’t reach their meters. The new Virtual WAN would let those households use their home broadband as a secure alternative connection – potentially helping more than 300,000 UK properties get connected.

What about security?

Because Smart Meters form part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure, connecting them via public broadband requires tight safeguards. The Government says any VWAN setup will come with strict encryption and security measures to prevent hacking or interference.

What this means for households

If your Smart Meter struggles to connect, this new system could provide a fix – as long as you have a working broadband connection. It could also pave the way for faster and more accurate energy readings in homes with patchy mobile coverage.

The service will be developed by the Data Communications Company (DCC), which already manages the UK’s national Smart Meter network, and is expected to roll out in 2026.

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