Remote readout means that the current consumption of a meter is transmited through a media to a data center. Todays remote readout systems cover most modern data transfer technologies like M-bus, radio, GSM, GPRS, internet, ethernet...
That is why it is important to know the capabilities of each technology before starting a new system.
The technology chosen is determined by available infrastructure (signal coverage, radio disturbances, internet availability...), the age of the building, the distance from a data center...

The benefits of a remote readout system for the user:
1. The actual monthly use is charged
2. No more visits from the readout man in the clients home