Abstract: A system for remote automatic monitoring and recording of utility meter readings which comprises an electronic meter reader (EMR) for accumulating meter counts from a plurality of utility meters, a data concentrator which collects accumulated meter counts from the EMR, a telephone interface for placing a first data call from the EMR to the data concentrator over an available telephone line, a billing computer connected to the data concentrator, and a modem for placing a second data call including the accumulated meter counts from the data concentrator to the billing computer utilizing standard telephone service. The EMR connects the EMR to three telephone lines, and determines whether each of the plurality of telephone lines is available for placing a data call. The data concentrator sends configuration data to the EMR at the conclusion of a data call.