Method of downloading software to a plurality of meters

A downloading method that is performed in a server connected to a network for downloading software to a plurality of meters via data concentrators connected to the network, the method comprising the steps of:

• mapping the positions of the meters and of the data concentrators within the network;
• defining a plurality of subnetworks in the network, each comprising plural ones of the data concentrators;
• associating each subnetwork with at least one downloading date comprising a day and a time, the downloading date of each subnetwork being different from the downloading dates of the other subnetworks;
• transmitting to the data concentrators of each subnetwork the downloading date associated with said subnetwork via the network so that, when the downloading date associated with said subnetwork is reached, all of the data concentrators of said subnetwork download, via the network, the software to all of the meters that are positioned within communication range of the data concentrators of said subnetwork.