Grid Net, a provider of smart grid and smart home software platforms, is collaborating with Sprint (News - Alert) in order to provide a solution that connect smart meters and smart grid routers via Sprint’s 4G network.

Sprint, the first and currently the only national wireless carrier to launch and market a 4G network in the U.S., will embed WiMAX (News - Alert) connectivity into Grid Net’s meters and routers. The objective is to deliver security and compelling economies for utilities and their customers. In addition, WiMAX allows utilities to assign different class of services and set priorities in critical infrastructure applications.

Grid Net’s platforms are designed to integrate substation automation, distribution automation, smart meters, demand response, and load management with electric vehicles, buildings, and homes to increase grid reliability, energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and customer satisfaction while reducing capital and operating costs.

Wayne Ward, vice president of the Emerging Solutions Group at Sprint, said, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to developing the smart grid. Sprint offers cost effective and flexible IP network solutions for utilities and application developers in support of advanced meter reading, as well as the scalability of 4G network bandwidth.”