We’re Gearing Up for the Virtual WAN Launch in 2026

At Calisen, we’re excited to be gearing up for the soft launch of the Virtual Wide Area Network (VWAN) in Q1 2026. This game-changing initiative will eventually allow us to extend our smart metering services to over 300,000 premises that currently cannot have a smart meter installed due to connectivity; thereby driving smarter energy use and supporting a greener future for the UK.

 

What is VWAN?

 

VWAN is an initiative led by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) to enhance smart meter connectivity across the UK. While the existing Wide Area Network (WAN), provided by the mobile network operators and the Data Communications Company (DCC), already covers the majority of premises, some locations remain challenging to connect due to infrastructure limitations.

 

VWAN will bridge this gap by enabling internet-based communication for smart meters. As part of the initiative:

• The VWAN functionality will be integrated into 4G Communications Hubs.

• Energy suppliers will be offering a VWAN Smart Metering System for premises with no WAN connectivity who may have previously been refused a smart meter.

 

Our role in the VWAN rollout

 

We believe that change doesn’t have to be hard if you’re smart about it. That’s why we’re actively engaged in industry discussions and consultations to ensure a smooth and efficient launch. We’re also developing a comprehensive project plan to manage engineer training and logistics, ensuring we’re fully prepared and ready to work together with our energy supplier partners.

 

The initial rollout is expected to connect around 1,000 previously hard-to-reach properties across the UK, bringing us one step closer to universal smart meter coverage.

 

A smarter, greener future

The VWAN initiative is a significant step toward nationwide smart meter connectivity, and at Calisen we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. By expanding our service offering to support VWAN, we’re not just improving connectivity, we’re accelerating the UK’s smart energy roll-out and contributing to a more sustainable future.

 

Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to launch!