@
meldrewreborn
With SMETS1, the communication was directly to each supplier. Each comms hub effectively had a 'SIM card' (physical or virtual) that connected the hub directly to the supplier. If you changed supplier, the new supplier could not access the meter.
SMETS2 got rid of that and the DCC was created to handle all smart meter communications, regardless of supplier.
Rather like either getting a mobile phone locked to a particular carrier and SIM (SMETS1), or getting an 'unlocked phone' and being able to use any PAYG or contract SIM you like, or changing provider whenever you wish (SMETS2).
Now the hub is simply communicating with the DCC rather than having the capability to talk to individual suppliers, it makes sense that the hub is part of the DCC network, rather than part of an individual suppliers metering equipment.
But it does rather muddy the waters as to
who is ultimately responsible for correct operation. Ownership of the physical device is one thing. Owning any problems is another can of worms entirely. As we regularly see on here.