https://www.qualcomm.com/media/documents/files/smart-grid-news-ho...

https://www.qualcomm.com/media/docu...s-are-using-cellular-communications-today.pdf

refer to slide 9 which compares the costs of different deployment.....Qualcomm estimate 3G is already materially cheaper than a PLC and Mesh deployment.....and the biggest cost difference being data connectivity of 3G is continuing to come down in price so roll forward a year and it would look even more cost effective....not to mention the additional speed 3G gives provides much more flexibility for more smart meter applications for PLC.

I cant see Ausnet doing mesh as its too risky given current customer dispersment and would take too long to set up....I think the only other potential is PLC but that again is risky, its inferior bandwidth and would take additional capital, and no doubt a whole new level of technical expertise to implement....why would they risk that...

also if they went down the PLC path would it require rewiring of the meter or a different smart meter altogether??

On balance this should be NTC's 3G module.