Peter James wrote:
Two years ago, my then Gas and Electricity supplier "Eon" asked me to install
new smart meters. They told me of the wonderful benefits to me that would
entail, and when taking a line from this NG I refused they screamed, wheedled,
had a tizzy fit and sat in a corner and sulked. Eventually when in a subtle
and toneless way they threatened me with unknown financial consequence I
succumbed.
Ten days later they fitted the meters, gas and electric, and as the fitter
left promised me that nirvana had arrived for me and the future was
fantastic.

Five days later a man arrived to read the meters. "What do you need to do
that for" said I "they are smart meters aren't they" "Yes they are" said he,
"and they need to be read". Using the tone of voice that said non-technical
elderly idiots like me, should sit in the corner and drool and let the world
get on with it.

On two occasions I was requested to send photographs of the meters to sort out
"anomolies" that had unfortunately arisen with these wonderful, state of the
art meters.

Last October I changed suppliers to "PurePlanet" who last month requested two
meter readings, to sort out "anomolies" I assumed. I sent them and made a
mistake, which they asked me to correct using photographs of the meter
readings. Why can't you get them direct I asked in all innocence, because
they're not working they replied. Also they said, your gas meter is not a
smart meter, and we can't get readings from it or the electric meter.

Now I'm 83 years of age, and grovelling around on my knees to take photographs
of so-called smart meters set two feet off the floor, is not top of my
priorities. But, girding my loins I got to my knees on two occasions and took
two photographs of each of my wonderful, state of the art, smart meters. One
of the electronic output display and a full view of the whole meter for
identification purposes. I sent them off and told my supplier that would be
the last time I did this for them. Any future "anomalies" they could sort out
by sending a meter reader around to read these wonderful state of the art,
etc, etc f---ing smart meters.

And so the matter now rests. The moral of the story children is this, that
when the nice man asks you if you would like a nice smart meter, kick him in
the balls and run away and tell a policeman.

Peter

https://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/wp...eters_2015.pdf

"Smart meters are fitted with an internal antenna which
can be replaced by an external antenna fitted to the
outside of the cabinet or further away to improve reception and transmission.

The individual transceivers typically operate in the 902€“928 MHz and
2.4-2.48 GHz bands, utilising both frequency-hopping and spread spectrum
techniques which are controlled by a wireless mesh network overlay.

Some meters use cellular data modems at 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz or 2.1 GHz,
the same technology used in mobile phones. The meter reading data is
carried over the existing mobile networks in the same way as a call
or text is sent."

The antenna for your meter should be fitted some place where the
RF can make contact with other meters.

A typical time ours don't work.

- Farmhouse
Large property, too far to neighbours.
Takes meter-reader two years to show up :-)

Paul


Paul