From talking about the role of non-cellular 5G (NR+) for large-scale, affordable IoT to enabling scalable, cost-effective solutions for India’s power distribution sector, Ashish Sahay, Sales Director & Country Manager – Wirepas, India, catches up exclusively with The Volt Post. This Volt-Age conversation also pans around with his vantage on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative, the eminence of decentralized mesh network, smart metering and much more. Edited Excerpts Below.
How can we define Wirepas India and its key focus in India?
Wirepas India focuses on building large-scale, decentralized IoT networks that support sectors such as smart electricity metering, buildings, and industrial automation.
With over 60 lakh plus smart meters connected through Wirepas Mesh, it has proven that decentralized communication can handle the demands of India’s vast and varied geography.
How does the company aim to enable scalable, cost-effective solutions for India’s power distribution sector?
Wirepas helps Indian utilities reduce infrastructure costs by integrating communication functions directly into smart meters, removing the need for separate gateways. This approach ensures interoperability between various makes of Meters, lowers upfront and ongoing expenses while making deployments quicker, faster and easier.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative in India and the growing importance of Smart Metering?
AMI is critical for India’s goal of 250 million smart meters, aimed at improving grid efficiency and billing accuracy. Traditional approaches have faced delays due to installation complexity and cost. In-meter gateway solutions by Wirepas streamline this process by embedding connectivity into the meters themselves, enabling faster rollouts with better network performance.
Can you underline a bit about the role of non-cellular 5G (NR+) for large-scale, affordable IoT?
Non-cellular 5G, or NR+, represents a significant shift in how large-scale IoT networks can be built and managed. Unlike traditional 5G that requires investment in licensed spectrum and operator-managed infrastructure, NR+ operates on open spectrum and uses decentralized coordination.
This means utilities and industries can deploy large networks independently, without recurring connectivity costs or reliance on telecom infrastructure.
For a country like India, this model brings affordability, flexibility, and long-term scalability to sectors like energy, agriculture, and logistics. Wirepas is not just an early supporter; it helped define the NR+ standard and continues to lead its implementation globally.
How a decentralized mesh network differs from traditional cellular connectivity, and why it matters for urban + rural deployment?
Each Energy Meter with Wirepas Mesh is capable of both Data Reception and Transmission (main function of a Cellular tower). Further, thanks to the De-Centralised Routing Capability of the Network, which enables edge level intelligence.
If one node fails, data finds another path. This improves reliability, simplifies setup in hard-to-reach areas, and supports both dense cities and remote villages with the same system.
Inside Wirepas‘ 10M chipset milestone and where it is developed, and R&D strength?
Wirepas and its partner Silicon Labs have shipped over 10 million chipsets globally, most of which are used in India. These systems are built using sub-GHz platforms optimized for long-range, low-power use. Development is driven from Finland with strong collaboration from Indian partners to tailor solutions for local utility requirements.
The role of Wirepas in lowering the total cost of ownership for Indian utilities and public infrastructure projects?
By embedding communication into meters and using Flexi RF mesh, Wirepas eliminates the need for expensive DCUs and external installations. This approach reduces not just capital investment but also maintenance costs and ease of Installation. It enables utilities to meet performance benchmarks with fewer resources and minimal downtime.
India’s future towards NR+ 5G standard and what is your company’s stance?
India stands to benefit from adopting NR+ for nationwide utility and industrial connectivity. Since NR+ operates without licensed spectrum or centralized control, it fits the financial and operational needs of public projects. Wirepas is committed to supporting Indian deployments and bringing this new global standard into practical use.
What are the key challenges and prospects you witness in the Indian power sector?
Challenges include deployment delays, supply chain gaps, and the cost of infrastructure in remote regions. However, there is strong policy momentum and a growing willingness to adopt smarter, leaner technologies. The use of embedded systems and decentralized connectivity can bridge these gaps and accelerate modernization.
Can connected utilities define the future in India? If so, what are the key steps that need to be undertaken?
Yes, connected utilities are central to building smarter cities and Smart villages as the current Initiative of Smart Electricity Meters, empowers Consumers to Online monitor power consumption, further leading to Time based Tariff.
Globally, Wirepas has not only been connecting the Smart Meters, but the entire Grid, leading to Timely Monitoring, Efficient Control and Management of electricity Distribution.
Connected Grid will also ensure seamless integration of Newer Initiatives like Renewable and Distributed Power generation across Homes as well as bulk Renewable generations and further support to EV Infra through Smart Net-Metering.
