India is set to accelerate its smart meter deployment with the introduction of the Wi-SUN Field Area Network (FAN) certification programme. This initiative will streamline the rollout of smart meters and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ensuring they meet stringent security, resilience, and interoperability standards.

The Wi-SUN Alliance has launched this certification to validate smart meters, Data Concentrator Units (DCUs), communication modules, and smart sensors. It guarantees seamless integration within connected ecosystems, supporting India’s growing smart grid and smart city projects. Leading vendors such as Comminent, Renesas Electronics, and Silicon Labs have already passed the Wi-SUN FAN certification at CN Labs’ facility in Bengaluru. This is a critical step as India prepares to install over 250 million smart meters in the coming years to modernise its utility infrastructure.

A National and Global Standard India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially adopted the Wi-SUN FAN specification as the national standard for Smart Meter Radio Frequency Communication Networks. Recognised globally as IEEE 2857, this standard ensures robust performance, particularly in dense urban areas, with a self-healing mesh network that maintains connectivity even during network disruptions.

Enhancing Smart Grid Efficiency Wi-SUN FAN technology supports high data rates and rapid network recovery, enabling utilities and municipalities to maintain reliable operations during outages. Unlike proprietary solutions that create vendor lock-in, this open standard allows utilities to scale their infrastructure flexibly and integrate diverse technologies.

As India expands its smart grid initiatives, experts see the Wi-SUN FAN certification as a pivotal step towards developing a future-proof, cyber-secure, and efficient energy network.