Turning around an underperforming smart metering network: A LoRaWAN / Wize Case Study

A major French water utility serving almost 300,000 people was experiencing challenges with its smart metering estate of more than 100,000 meters. When SUEZ assumed responsibility for the network, it inherited an underperforming LoRaWAN environment, where only 86% of meters were reporting within a 10-day period.

The utility faced connectivity issues, fragmented system architecture and limited operational visibility. Data was distributed across multiple legacy platforms, making it difficult to monitor performance, diagnose faults and manage the network efficiently. In addition, coverage limitations and poor radio conditions affected a significant number of meters, while the existing infrastructure was not well suited to future growth.

Rather than replacing the entire estate, SUEZ implemented a pragmatic hybrid strategy designed to improve performance while preserving previous investments.

The solution combined optimisation of the existing LoRaWAN network with the deployment of a complementary Wize network. High-performing LoRaWAN meters were retained, the LoRaWAN protocol switched to an open one, while underperforming meters were upgraded with Wize transmitters. All 64 existing gateway sites were reused and upgraded to support both technologies, avoiding the cost and disruption of building new infrastructure.

SUEZ also introduced ON'connect as a single platform to manage and integrate LoRaWAN and Wize data, replacing multiple legacy systems and providing a unified operational view.

The project delivered significant improvements in reliability, efficiency and visibility. LoRaWAN connectivity increased from 86% to 97.6% of meters reporting within 10 days, while the Wize network achieved more than 99% connectivity. Operational teams gained a single view of network performance, meter alarms, battery status and data quality through ON'connect.

By reusing existing infrastructure, selectively upgrading assets and operating LoRaWAN and Wize in parallel, SUEZ transformed an underperforming metering estate into a scalable, future-ready platform. The result was improved service, reduced complexity and a stronger foundation for the utility's long-term smart metering strategy.