NB-IoT Smart Water Business Project Overview
NB-IoT, or Narrowband Internet of Things, is a key wireless communication technology designed for the Internet of Things (IoT). It offers significant advantages over traditional wireless solutions, including low power consumption, high capacity, strong signal stability, and deep coverage. These features make it ideal for applications such as smart metering, intelligent parking, and logistics tracking. The world's first NB-IoT-based smart water project marks a new milestone in the evolution of IoT-driven water services. It also represents a successful implementation of the “City Quality Improvement Year†initiative, showcasing the potential of smart city technologies.
In 2016, Shenzhen Water Group, China Telecom, and Huawei signed a strategic cooperation agreement to explore the use of emerging technologies in the water industry. After nearly a year of testing and refinement in Yantian and Futian districts, the project achieved a 100% data transmission success rate, marking a successful pilot phase. This laid the foundation for future expansion across Shenzhen and beyond.
Innovative Solutions for Improved Efficiency and Service Quality
By implementing NB-IoT smart water meters, Shenzhen Water Group has significantly improved its water management and service delivery. The high-precision, real-time data collected from these meters enables more accurate and efficient water distribution, reducing operational costs and enhancing service quality. In the long term, this system will support broader social management by analyzing user water data, helping the government implement stricter water resource control and promoting scientific water usage. This innovation was recognized on World Water Day, March 22, highlighting its importance.
A Model for Smart City Development
As part of Shenzhen’s efforts to build a smart city with Chinese characteristics, the NB-IoT smart water project plays a vital role. By integrating "Internet + Water Industry," Shenzhen Water Group, together with China Telecom and Huawei, has developed a new blueprint for smart water systems. This initiative enhances the city’s ability to manage public services and improve urban governance through technological innovation.
Pioneering Innovation in the Global Water Sector
This project is the world's first commercial deployment of NB-IoT-enabled smart water meters, utilizing Huawei's self-developed chips and network infrastructure provided by China Telecom. This integration allows real-time data transmission to Shenzhen Water Group’s management platform, upgrading the entire water system to a modern, intelligent level. As a result, the project sets a new standard for the global water industry, driving its digital transformation.
Scaling Up for Broader Impact
Currently, over 1,200 NB-IoT smart water meters have been deployed in communities within Yantian and Futian districts. The project is expected to expand throughout Shenzhen and other cities in China. Its success signals the maturing of the NB-IoT ecosystem and the growing adoption of smart water services. This marks a major step forward in the commercialization of NB-IoT technology, offering significant economic and environmental benefits.
Shenzhen Water Group: A Leader in Quality and Standards
As a state-owned enterprise, Shenzhen Water Group actively participates in building the “Shenzhen Quality†and “Shenzhen Standard.†Through collaboration with Huawei and China Telecom, the company continues to drive innovation in smart water technologies, aiming to set benchmarks for the water industry nationwide.
The Power of a Small Chip
In the Jingtian North residential area, a row of blue smart water meters may look similar to traditional ones, but they contain a small chip box that houses an embedded NB-IoT module—essentially a large SIM card. This tiny device enables real-time data transmission, allowing users' water consumption to be monitored and sent directly to the customer service center.
“Don’t underestimate this small box—it holds a lot of value,†explained technician Jiang. “Previously, water readings were taken manually, but now, the smart meter converts measurements into electronic data and transmits it every 30 minutes. That’s 48 data points per day. This not only supports big data analysis but also reduces labor and operational costs.â€
The chip inside the meter can last up to ten years and provides wide-area coverage, even reaching multi-story buildings. More importantly, it delivers high-precision, real-time water usage data, enabling dynamic monitoring and early detection of issues like leaks. During trials in Jingtian North, technicians identified unusual low water usage patterns, which helped detect hidden leaks and minimize losses for residents.
Looking ahead, the NB-IoT smart water meter will play a critical role in optimizing water distribution and supporting broader urban management initiatives. It’s a small device with a big impact, setting the stage for a smarter, more sustainable future in water management.
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