AMI enables centralized monitoring and control of utility meters. This includes collecting data from water, gas, or electric meters and transferring that data to a central database for billing and analysis. By enabling real-time data gathering and two way communications with meters, the utility company can reduce operating expenses, offer better customer service, and more closely manage valuable resources.

Electric utility AMI systems are often seen as the foundation of Smart Grid solutions, but most AMI benefits apply equally to electric, gas and water scenarios. Very short data collection intervals allow load profiling and the implementation of time-of-use (TOU) billing, enhancing demand predictability and conservation programmes. System disruptions (leaks or outages) can be readily identified and responded to more effectively. Better account management, improved maintenance, and on-line customer monitoring and feedback all contribute to improved customer service and reduced peak consumption.

A key requirement of all AMI systems is a ubiquitous, high reliability, low latency data network that covers all metering locations (typically all the homes and businesses in a utility's service area). Technology Partners uses Tropos Network's award winning GridCom wireless wide-area aggregation network architecture for meter reading communications. Utilising open-standard IP radios, award winning GridCom is field-proven technology that includes Tropos' outdoor-optimized mesh routers and a carrier-class centralized management and control system.

The award winning GridCom system has been built from the ground-up for metro-scale, mission critical outdoor network deployments. Tropos technology has been used in more than 750 deployments world-wide.