By Greentech Lead America: Mobile service provider
Sprint has partnered with Metrum Technologies and Tollgrade Communications
to provide wireless services that enhance electric grid reliability, optimize
service delivery and improve efficiency for electric utilities.
Through this partnership, Metrum’s entire line of smart
meters will be available with Sprint wireless connectivity and Tollgrade will
offer Medium Voltage (MV) sensors with Sprint wireless connectivity by June
2012.
Tollgrade’s sensors provide fault detection and location,
asset management, load monitoring and power quality information for utilities
in urban and rural locations.
Metrum and Tollgrade will utilize the Sprint M2M Command
Center, a Web-based portal that will give the ability to securely manage,
activate and de-activate each smart grid device. In addition, they can suspend
service, run usage reports and set alerts on how much data each module is
operating, without ever having to call Sprint directly.
Metrum and Tollgrade have completed Open Mobile Alliance
(OMA) Device Management (DM) certification, allowing utilities to manage assets
and infrastructure, ideally suited for large-scale deployments. This method of
“over the air” management and activation enables a rapid
configuration processes and efficient use of the wireless network.
“With the rising demand for energy and natural
resources, machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions give utilities and their
customers a powerful emerging tool for automating services, managing demand and
promoting sustainability,” said Wayne Ward, vice president-Emerging
Solutions Group, Sprint.
“We are excited to collaborate with Metrum and
Tollgrade, enabling them to interface directly with Sprint’s network and create
management portals to better serve their customers. These announcements
underscore our commitment to helping the utility industry improve efficiency.
Monitoring the smart grid is an example of how connected devices are changing
every aspect of our lives,” Ward added.
Sprint M2M to boost utility industry operations
Recently, Sprint announced agreements with Itron, Lanner Electronics,
Power Insight and Silver Spring Networks. These companies will offer Sprint
wireless network connectivity in support of their automated products and
services. Itron has enabled their Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
solution for use on the Nationwide Sprint Network.