An innovative m‐utility management and billing system

Purpose – Aims to provide a new wireless design for utility management and billing systems using GSM networks that can be used by large utility sites. Design/methodology/approach – Traditional energy and water meters are replaced or enhanced to produce digital readings. A hardware interface is designed and then connected via the GSM network to a server at the utility headquarters. The new system is compared with traditional utility systems. Findings – A prototype for the proposed systems was implemented. It was tested using a real GSM network in the United Arab Emirates. The performance of the systems was acceptable, with high accuracy results when compared with the existing systems. Research limitations/implications – Applying the system in large buildings with multiple subscribers is not a straightforward task; the system may need some modifications. Practical implications – This is a very useful system for utility companies which are interested in better management and billing systems. The system can be implemented easily at low cost. Originality/value – This work utilizes a mobile network to provide a practical system for utility companies. It is an integrated system with complete hardware, software, and database implementation.