In a system where an automatic meter reader device communicates with a host at a remote location using a communication line that is shared with at least one other user, conflicts between the use of the communication line by the automatic meter reader and/or by the host are minimized. When the line is used by other users, information about the times they use the line is collected. That information is analyzed to identify time periods when the communication line is less likely to be used by the other users. The automatic meter reader and the host are then directed to communicate with each other during those time periods.