Vodafone Idea’s Enterprise Arm Doubles Down on IoT with Smart Metering for Electricity & Gas

Vodafone Idea’s enterprise division, Vi Business, is charting an ambitious course into the Internet of Things (IoT) space, with a strategic focus on smart metering solutions across electricity and gas sectors. The move aligns with India’s national push toward digital utility infrastructure and positions Vi as a key player in the evolving smart grid ecosystem.

12 Million Smart Electricity Meters in Pipeline

Vi Business plans to deploy 12 million smart electricity meters over the next three years, supporting the government’s India Smart Grid Mission and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The RDSS aims to replace 250 million conventional meters with IoT-enabled prepaid smart meters by 2028, targeting improved billing efficiency and reduced power theft.

The telco’s proprietary Vi Business IoT Smart Central platform will serve as the backbone of this rollout, offering centralized control, real-time data analytics, and seamless integration with DISCOMs (distribution companies). The platform is designed to reduce Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, enable remote meter control, and provide consumers with transparent, real-time energy usage insights.

Expanding Horizons: Smart Gas Metering Pilots Underway

Beyond electricity, Vi Business is piloting smart gas metering solutions for commercial applications. These pilots involve partnerships with City Gas Distributors (CGDs), Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs), and gas meter manufacturers. The initiative leverages Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) technology, known for its low power consumption and reliable connectivity, to ensure robust performance in gas distribution networks.

Infrastructure & Innovation Driving Scale

To support its smart metering ambitions, Vi has established a dedicated IoT lab for pre-deployment testing and certification. This facility enables faster rollouts and minimizes operational errors. The company also emphasizes telco-grade encryption and security protocols, ensuring data privacy and reliability for both utilities and end-users.

Competitive Landscape Heats Up

Vi’s foray into smart metering places it in direct competition with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, both of which are aggressively expanding their IoT portfolios. As India’s utility sector undergoes digital transformation, telecom operators are increasingly positioning themselves as technology enablers for infrastructure modernization.

With policy tailwinds and rising demand for intelligent utility management, Vi Business’s smart meter strategy could mark a pivotal shift in how energy and gas consumption are monitored, billed, and optimized across the country.